Slower speeds on residential roads are becoming the norm in inner London but only a quarter in Enfield limit drivers to 20mph

A campaign group calling for safer streets across Enfield is set to host a discussion on whether 20mph limits should become the new default on residential roads in the borough.

Better Streets for Enfield (BSfE) is holding the public online meeting at 8pm on Tuesday, 19th November, under the title ‘Is Twenty Plenty in Enfield?’.

Enfield Council, in a draft transport strategy published earlier this year, stated that it was “proven that lower speed limits reduce the frequency and severity of road collisions” and that it would continue to “introduce 20mph speed limits in areas where people live, work or play”.

However, BSfE points out that at present, only 28% of the roads the council manages have a 20mph speed limit, leaving Enfield trailing many other London boroughs. Across the capital, 52% of borough-controlled roads are now 20mph.

BSfE says reduced road danger isn’t the only benefit of 20mph zones – there’s also less noise and air pollution and walking, wheeling and cycling becomes more enjoyable as a result.

Alex Atherton from BSfE says: “Over the past decade Enfield Council has introduced several schemes that have improved life for people walking or riding bikes, and we’re very pleased by this.

“But the impact has been limited as on the vast majority of streets in the borough pedestrians are still exposed to noise, danger and stress.

“By the simple step of making 20mph the default speed limit, Enfield Council could at a stroke improve the lives of tens of thousands of people across the entire borough.

“Their children’s journeys to school will be safer and healthier. They’ll find it easier and more pleasant to stop and chat to friends and neighbours, crossing the road will be safer and less stressful.”

BSfE has invited guest speaker Jeremy Leach to introduce the subject of 20mph zones during its public meeting, and answer questions. Jeremy is a leading member of the national campaign 20’s Plenty for Us.

People who might be slightly sceptical about the idea are also welcome to join in. “This meeting is for anyone who’s curious about whether or not 20mph limits would be a good thing and has an open mind,” Jeremy says.

“You don’t have to buy into all our campaigning aims, and we’re not so unrealistic as to be campaigning for 20mph on the North Circular or in less urban parts of Enfield.”

However, he adds: “But if you’re dead set against lower speed limits, the meeting’s probably not for you.”

To join the meeting from 8pm-9pm on Tuesday, 19th November:
Visit bit.ly/20sPlentyEnfield

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