Borough is first with radical speed limit

14 February 2008

The London Borough of Lewisham could become the first local authority in capital to introduce a 20mph speed limit on all its residential roads.

A report to Lewisham mayor, Steve Bullock, has said the borough should pilot the initiative as part of a series of measures to reduce road traffic and promote local alternatives to car travel.

Members of the council’s sustainable development select committee have completed a three-month review of travel and car use in the borough, and submitted a series of recommendations to the mayor.

The group of 10 councillors, chaired by Sue Laxton, Green Party councillor for the Ladywell ward, have examined schemes to promote walking and cycling and encourage people to use their cars less, and heard evidence from expert witnesses about best practice elsewhere in the capital.

Luxton said: ‘While car ownership in Lewisham is lower than in some neighbouring boroughs, and there are a number of good existing schemes in the borough to promote walking and cycling, there is still much more we can do to make leaving the car at home a more attractive prospect.

‘Our recommendations included expanding free cycle training for adults and children, extending 20 mph speed limits to all residential roads where practicable, and bidding for extra funding to complete, improve and promote existing cycle routes.’

Among other suggestions put forward by the select committee are plans to expand the number of local car club and travel-to-work plans among local employers to reduce car use.

Councillors have called the provision of more cycle racks at health centres, shopping centres and arcades, with new borough-wide cycle routes open for families, and all school children encouraged to take part in cycling proficiency schemes.

They also want to see the authority encourage firms to include the installation of shower facilities for cyclists in planning applications for new businesses and to promote ‘Cycle to work’ schemes which loan bikes to employees.

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