New Transport for London (TfL) research has shown that the number of people killed and seriously injured on borough roads in London reduced by 34% following the implementation of the 20mph speed limit between 1989 and 2013.
The research, reportedly the first of its scale in London, analyses more than 150 20mph schemes between 1989 and 2013, examining the three-year periods surrounding the implementation of each 20mph scheme.
TfL carried out this new analysis to fully understand the impact of road safety measures across the city over a longer time span.
Among the key statistics were:
- 40% reduction in the number of people killed (from 15 to 9), compared against the background trend of 7% fewer fatalities across borough roads
- 34% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured (from 395 to 260), compared against the background trend of a 15% fall in people killed or seriously injured across borough roads
- 75% reduction in the number of children killed, compared with no change across the control group
- 50% reduction in children’s casualties (from 517 to 280), against the background trend within the control group of 20%
- 35% reduction in collisions and 36% reduction in casualties on borough roads, against a background trend of 12% fewer collisions and casualties across all borough roads
The report shows that, with the exception of motorcycle fatalities, which did not change, 20mph schemes led to fewer fatalities and less severe injuries across every mode of travel.
The report also acknowledges other road safety improvement measures implemented between 1989-2013 and recognises that the implementation of 20mph schemes on borough roads is not the sole cause of improved road safety in this time.
For this reason, the report compares against the background trend seen across all borough roads in this period to provide compelling evidence that 20mph schemes reduce the number of casualties regardless of all other road improvement.
Walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman said: “This compelling new analysis shows clearly that lowering speeds is saving lives.
“Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many. Slower speeds not only protect the most vulnerable, they also help create safer, more welcoming streets, and are a vital part of building a safer London for everyone.
“The Mayor and I are proud that London is leading the way with bold, evidence-led action to reduce danger on our roads, and we will continue working to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of our Vision Zero goal.”
Achievements in road safety will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
