Ealing Wants To Have Whole Borough 20MPH By 2021

One year 'trial' is expected to be rolled out further

Written by Ged Cann, Local Democracy Reporter

Many of Ealing’s roads will be reduced to 20mph from Sunday (31st March).

The trial will see two-thirds of the borough’s streets on the reduced limit as all routes enclosed by the A406, A40, Greenford Road, Windmill Lane and the southern borough boundary are included.

Studies cited by the council suggest that for every 1mph drop in average speed there is a six per cent drop in road casualties.

A council spokesman said the aim is that by 2021 the entire borough would have the reduced speed limit, which was expected to result in 60 fewer injuries per year, and up to three fewer deaths or serious injuries.

Only main roads such as the A40 would retain higher speed limits.

The spokesman said the move would reduce air pollution, accidents and road deaths, and encourage cycling and walking.

Despite the 10mph drop, council staff said journey times would only take a couple of extra minutes on average, since traffic rarely reaches above the new speed limit anyway due to congestion.

No new speed cameras will be set up as a result of the change, but a council spokesman said police would be vigilant for any rule breakers from March 31.

It is the second speed limit change to be rolled out across the borough after a 20mph area was made permanent in Acton in 2018 after a successful one-year trial.

The current trial will also last for at least a year.

Council leader Julian Bell said: “Our residents overwhelmingly agree that road safety should be further improved and the introduction of this additional speed limit will help us do just that.

“It has been shown that when traffic speed can be reduced people feel safer and more positive about their local streets and are more likely to make journeys by walking and cycling – which is of course positive for the environment as well.”

March 30 2019