20mph ban on all roads

Published: 24th June, 2011

• I WAS very sorry to hear the sad news that a woman pedestrian was killed in Hornsey Rise, Archway, (Extend the 20mph ban, June 17). 

Every road death is a personal tragedy for the family and friends of the victim, but it is also a cumulative tragedy for the whole community. 

Islington has taken a brave step towards making our streets safer and more pleasant places by introducing 20mph limits on all side roads. 

It is time to say enough is enough. It is not acceptable or fair to have vehicles travelling at speeds that routinely endanger life on our main roads. Why should people on foot risk their lives daily while trying to access shops, transport, schools, homes and places of work?

Speed limits of 20mph on our main roads would make it easier to cross the road, reducing the community severance caused by “walls” of fast-moving through traffic, making homes, shops, Tubes, bus stops and schools easier to access on foot. Not to mention the extensive health benefits of creating a walking-friendly street environment.   

Will Islington Council have the courage to lead the way by becoming the first borough with a 20mph limit on all main roads?
Caroline Russell
Islington Living Streets