Speed limits will be cut down to 20mph in Central London – bold new Vision Zero hopes to end all road deaths in the city by 2041
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is paving the way for an ever-closer pedestrianised city
DEATHS on London roads are expected to drop by a fifth as Mayor Sadiq Khan unveils plans to reduce the inner city speed limits to 20mph.
In the new Vision Zero strategy, Transport for London (TfL) states that fatalities are five times more likely when driving at the current 30mph speed.
More than 2,000 people are killed or seriously injured in the capital every year by road collisions, and the plan aims to reduce this by 65 per cent over the next four years.
Other targets include no person being a casualty of a bus driving in the city by 2030, and all road deaths ending completely by 2041.
The 20mph limit will be applied to roads such as Upper Thames Street Underpass, Blackfriars Road and Lambeth Bridge.
Greater London town centres may also be included, with the speed reduction subject to discussions with all 32 boroughs.
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A total aim of 150km of roads will see a 20mph limit by the end of the Mayor's term in office.
TfL is also trying to cut down the number of privately-owned motors travelling in the city to 20 per cent from 2041.
The remaining 80 per cent will consist of walking, cycling and public transport.
Vision Zero includes a London-wide ban on Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) that do not comply with a new safety standard.
The five-star rating, based on the driver's visibility, will see HGVs under three stars denied access from 2024 - unless they have been fitted with cameras and sensors.
The Metropolitan Police will focus on roadside patrols and operations to help enforce the plan.
Commissioner Cressida Dick said policing will have an "enhanced approach and intensified effort".
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Mayor Sadiq Khan added: "I don’t accept that deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads are something we just have to put up with.
"Every single death or serious injury results in heartache and tragedy for those affected, and their loved ones.
"Our bold and far-reaching plans being announced today are some of most ambitious in the world, and start from the basis that no death or serious injury on London’s roads should be treated as acceptable or inevitable."