Speed limits

Speed causes about one third of road accidents in the United Kingdom. Especially in urban areas, where speeding vehicles can adversely affect the quality of life of many communities.

This is why speed limits have been introduced to ensure greater road safety. Speed can be measured in two ways, legislative and physical. Speed limits fall into the first category, whereas traffic calming devices would fall into the second, except where 20mph zones are considered, as legislation requires that they are supported by physical traffic calming measures.

Comprehensive information on speed limits you might expect to come across on the different categories of road is given in chart form in The Highway Code.

How do I set about getting a speed limit lowered, raised or extended?

The majority of roads in Tower Hamlets are covered by a 30mph speed limit, with the exception of designated 20mph zones and some Red Routes which are 40mph.

The police will review you chase in order of importance. If Red Routes are involved, the request would be forwarded to Transport for London who are responsible for the these main roads.

Account should also be taken of the characteristics of the road, such as its alignment, the level of activity alongside the road, the accident record and the degree of severance caused to a community because of traffic speed.

In urban areas, speed limits should fit into a rational and easily understood hierarchy if they are to be observed by drivers. Before deciding to change an existing speed limit. the Highway Authority must consider all the relevant factors:

• expected accident savings
• improvement to the environment
• improvement in amenities
• reduction in public anxiety
• improved facilities for vulnerable road users
• delays to traffic
• costs of implementation
• costs of engineering measures and their maintenance
• costs of enforcement, especially where the speed limit is regarded as unreasonable by drivers.

The council is extending provision of 20mph zones in residential areas to improve road safety for residents and vulnerable road users. These zones have been proven to reduce accidents by over 60%.

Further information

E-mail: roadsandhighways@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 6882