A recent government initiative to transform major cities in the UK into 20mph zones has sparked anger among drivers nationwide. The implementation of speed limits and the introduction of

low traffic neighborhoods (LTNs) have caused frustration among residents, who claim that these measures are making their neighborhoods difficult to navigate. London, along with other cities like Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool, has witnessed the rapid expansion of 20mph zones, affecting key arterial roads and transport networks.

The trend toward reducing speeds on England's roads was highlighted by a leaked Department of Transport draft plan, which proposed a design speed limit of 20mph for urban environments. However, the Department of Transport's spokesperson denied any plans for a default or national 20mph speed limit in urban areas.

While lower speeds have been linked to reduced fatality rates in collisions, the actual experience of individuals using these new safer roads in their daily routines tells a different story. London Mayor Sadiq Khan's "vision zero" goal to eliminate road deaths by 2041 has resulted in additional key roads in Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Bromley, and Lambeth becoming 20mph zones by October. Transport for London (TfL) aims to have 140 miles of London's main roads, accounting for 37.9% of its Red Route network, below the 20mph limit by May of next year.

The introduction of these new speed limits has caused frustration among drivers like Ali Haydar, a taxi driver from Shadwell, who now experiences significantly longer travel times. Haydar claims that a busy main road in Tower Hamlets, east London, has become so slow that his normal trips take three times longer. He also notes that the new measures have led to increased congestion and pollution, stating, "There is a load more petrol, more congestion, more traffic - it is very frustrating. I don't think it is good."

Other drivers, like Teresa Mlynarz, a nanny from Finchley Road near Hampstead, also express frustration. Mlynarz finds it pointless to drive at 20mph on clear roads and believes that accidents are infrequent in the area, making the speed limit unnecessary.

Despite claims of improved road safety, many individuals remain skeptical. David Horn-Marquez, a resident of Camden, admits to feeling nervous on the roads, highlighting that the combination of speeding and slow drivers has created a hazardous situation. Additionally, concerns about increased pollution due to traffic congestion have been raised, with some individuals noting a noticeable rise in exhaust fumes.

While there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of the speed limit changes, Sue Smith and Janice Collins emphasize that the new measures have failed to address the real dangers on the roads. They mention reckless behavior by cyclists, who often disregard pedestrian crossings and speed past them.

On the other hand, some Londoners, like Andrea Chambers, welcome the changes and feel safer as a result. Chambers praises the reduction in speed, particularly near schools and leisure centers, as it helps protect children and creates a less chaotic environment.

The impact of the speed limit reductions on cyclists varies. Rachel Shaw, a doctor who commutes daily by bicycle from Finsbury Park to the Royal Free hospital in Hampstead, states that the change has not made a significant difference. Shaw suggests that dedicated cycle lanes would be more beneficial for cyclists' safety. Photo by sludgegulper, Wikimedia commons.