Londoners are being asked for their views on the Mayor of London’s plan to reduce the speed limit within the Congestion Charge zone to 20 mph.

The plan is part of Sadiq Khan’s Vision Zero’ campaign to eliminate all death and serious injury on the streets of the capital. In all, it would see 20 mph limits introduced on 8.9 km (about 5.5 miles) of main roads including Victoria Embankment and Borough High Street. A 20 mph is also planned for the Aldgate Gyratory, which is not part of the Congestion Charge Zone, but forms its boundary.

Other changes could include modifications to pedestrian crossings that make them higher in a bid to discourage speeding, while Transport for London (TfL)the organisation in charge of London’s roads and public transport, also says it will adjust existing speed cameras and implement mobile cameras to enforce the new rules. Once all this has been implemented, TfL will monitor the situation to decide whether further measures are needed.

20 mph speed limit painted on road

These plans were announced yesterday, but they must still pass a public consultation before being introduced. As a result, the public is being asked to comment on the proposal, with submissions permitted until July 10. TfL hopes to implement the scheme by May 2020.

Sadiq Khan said the introduction of a 20 mph limit would save lives and protect those who choose to walk or cycle in central London.

20 mph sign in Belfast city centre

“Each year more than 4,000 people are killed or seriously injured on London's streets,” he said. “The evidence is clear - lowering speeds on the most dangerous roads saves lives. The proposed 20 mph speed limit on TfL roads within the Congestion Charge Zone and at Aldgate Gyratory will protect people walking and cycling and other road users in the busiest part of the capital.”

Meanwhile road safety charity Brake said the plans should set an example to other governments, calling the Vision Zero target a “moral imperative”.

20 mph sign in London

'Whether you are walking, cycling, or driving, it is everyone's right to be free to get around in a safe and healthy way but this can only be achieved if the vehicles on our roads are travelling at safe speeds,” said Joshua Harris, Brake’s director of campaigns. “Twenty mph limits give drivers more time to stop to avoid a crash and also make our streets more welcoming places to be, encouraging people to choose to walk or cycle rather than get in a car. The Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury from our roads is a moral imperative and we call on all local and national governments to follow TfL's lead.”