Final approval has been given to the implementation of 20mph zones in the London Borough of Islington, following public consultation on the issue. The local authority announced the move last November and now has agreed to fully implement the project by April 2013.

It believes the move to reduce residential streets from 30mph to 20mph will reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. The Metropolitan Police has already said though that it will not increase the amount of officers or resources it currently uses in the area to enforce the change.

Two of the areas busiest strategic roads, Holloway Road and Upper Street, managed by Transport for London, will not be affected by the change in speed. The popularity of 20mph zones has increased across the country in recent years following successful applications in areas such as Portsmouth. A report by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) for the Department for Transport said reducing traffic speed was the single most effective way of increasing safety for cyclists.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington LBC cabinet member for transport, said: ‘Adopting 20mph on our main roads is a bold step, but there has been strong local support and we are taking a firm lead.
‘We hope and believe drivers will understand what we are setting out to achieve.’