Our 20mph speed limit proven to make roads safer

Newly published data has shown that the introduction of the 20mph speed limit across the borough has improved road safety. 

The borough’s 20mph speed limit was implemented in March 2020 and covers 97% of the borough’s roads.

Taking speed recordings at 152 locations over a one-week period in May 2024, we have found that the measures introduced have produced a noticeable drop in overall traffic speeds, with average speeds on all the borough’s roads reducing by 2.6mph. The story on Richmond's roads recording the highest speeds, saw average speeds reduce by an even greater margin of 4.4mph.

Our data shows that significant speed reductions were achieved without causing delays for drivers. Research showed that journey times remain largely unchanged. For example, driving along Kew Road in 2023 took only 14 seconds longer than it did in 2019.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Lead Member for Transport and Air Quality said: "We are thrilled with the positive impact the 20mph limit has had on our communities. This latest data shows that our residents are at a lower risk of being involved in a collision than when our roads had 30mph limits. There was some considerable opposition to the change at the time of implementation, but these results more than justify the leadership this Council took on the issue."

This reduction in speed has led to fewer injury collisions overall and its success has been underpinned by the fact the reduction in speeds have been achieved mostly through road signs and markings. The noted reductions in speed were achieved without expensive physical traffic-calming measures or any change to the enforcement regime by the Metropolitan Police.

Since the introduction, the average number of collisions per year has gone down from 338 before the 20mph limit was introduced to 301. At the same time, the number of pedestrian incidents has decreased, with the number recorded, falling by 24% making the borough’s streets materially safer for active travellers.

Cllr Ehmann added: “Thanks to the actions of drivers in the borough, the 20mph speed limit has made a real difference, but there is still more for us to do. Despite the decrease in overall collision; sadly, we have seen an uplift in serious collisions in the borough. This is a point of real concern and Richmond Council is studying the data to see what factors outside the reduction in average speeds, such as the increase in powered two-wheelers in the borough, are responsible for the deterioration in this aspect of road safety."

We remain dedicated to making roads as safe as possible, with the vision of eliminating serious collisions on our streets and will continue to monitor road safety; making improvements wherever they are needed.

Read the agenda and decisions from the Transport and Air Quality Committee meeting on Monday 16 September 2024.