Asked by: Baroness D'Souza (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 7 April 2025 (HL6099) and the remarks by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 21 January (HL Deb col 279), what is the reason for the 20 miles per hour speed limit in London and other cities.
Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The power to impose 20mph speed limits rests with the local traffic authority. As well as influencing safety, such limits can positively affect quality of life, the environment and the local economy. The standard speed limit in urban areas is 30mph, which represents a balance between mobility, safety and other factors, but in specific areas traffic authorities can consider implementing of 20mph schemes, for example outside schools.
Authorities are asked to have regard to the Department for Transport’s guidance on Setting Local Speed Limits which as outlined in the Road Safety Strategy will be reviewed to further support local authorities in making well‑informed decisions about managing speed on their roads.