Take action on speeding

Published: 30 July, 2010

• THE inclusion of Wharfdale Road, a 230-metre stretch of main road in King’s Cross, in the scheme proposed by former Green councillor Katie Dawson that brings 20mph limits to all residential roads in Islington is a positive step and will make a difference to the safety and amenity of residents, pedestrians and cyclists (Cops fail to put the brakes on road plan, July 9).

The police claimed that the new limit would be unenforceable because “there can be no enforcement within 200 metres of a change in limit”. 

This presumably means that the existing 30mph limit is also unenforceable, which somewhat undermines the police case.  

Interestingly, there appears to be little appetite for enforcement of speed limits in Islington, with cars regularly being driven at speeds in excess of the existing limits with apparent impunity.

A recent Islington Council journey-time, data-gathering exercise was found to have provided evidence of routine speeding on Islington roads, when the vehicle (travelling at the legal limit) was constantly overtaken.

Since the council executive has chosen not to include other main roads (Junction Road, Hornsey Rise and Highbury Grove/Blackstock Road) in the 20mph limit, perhaps it can encourage police to concentrate on enforcing the existing 30mph speed limits so residents are not endangered by vehicles travelling inappropriately fast.

CAROLINE RUSSELL
Islington Green Party