Safer Streets in Enfield: 20mph Speed Limits
Making our neighbourhoods safer, cleaner and greener
Enfield Council is proposing to introduce 20mph speed limits on residential streets and roads in town centres — part of our wider plan to make the borough safer, cleaner and greener for everyone.
Why 20mph? Because small changes in speed make a big difference.
This proposal is part of our long-term commitment to:
- Achieve the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero target of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads
- Tackle the climate emergency
- Enable people to walk, cycle and use public transport more easily and safely
- Create neighbourhoods where people feel confident spending time outdoors
The Journeys and Places programme has already made great progress throughout the borough. We've created Quieter Neighbourhoods to reduce through traffic and calm speeds, expanded the borough’s Walking and Cycling network, introduced School Streets to protect children during school drop-off and pick-up times and invested in improved Public Spaces with greenery, better lighting, and safer crossings.
Now, we’re proposing 20mph speed limits on local streets to make these changes even more effective.
Every year, too many people are seriously injured or lose their lives on London’s roads. That’s why the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero ambition is aiming for a future where no one is killed or seriously injured when travelling in the city. Enfield Council is committed to playing our part in achieving this.
The Enfield Transport Strategy sets out a vision for safer, more accessible neighbourhoods where people feel safe and able to walk, cycle and use public transport. This sits alongside our Climate Action Plan which highlights the need for action to reduce emissions and improve air quality across the borough.
We are proposing to introduce a 20mph speed limit on most residential roads and streets in and around town centres. Larger strategic roads, such as the A10 or North Circular (A406), and roads not managed by Enfield Council, are not included in this proposal. Please refer to the map in the Document Library on the right-hand side of this page for the current proposal.
The benefits of 20mph: Backed by evidence
Improved safety for all road users
- Speed was a contributing factor to 61% of recorded injury-related collisions in Enfield over the past 5 years
- There are 42% fewer road collisions after implementing 20mph
- A person walking hit by a vehicle at 20mph is five times more likely to survive, when compared to being hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph.
- Lower speeds help everyone feel safer, whether they’re walking, cycling, wheeling, or driving.
Cleaner air and lower emissions
- Smoother driving and less braking at 20mph reduces fuel consumption and vehicle emissions
- Supports better air quality, especially important for children and older people
- Encourages people to make shorter journeys by foot or bike instead of driving
Better for health and active travel
- Safer streets encourage people to walk or cycle for short trips
- More people travelling actively improves physical and mental well-being
- Builds healthier communities where more people are out and about — connecting with their surroundings
Calmer, more liveable neighbourhoods
- Reduced noise from slower-moving traffic
- Fewer short car journeys mean less congestion
- Streets become more pleasant and sociable places where children can play and people feel safe to spend time outdoors
Support for local businesses
- Calmer, safer streets are more attractive for people visiting local shops, markets and cafes on foot or by bike
- More foot traffic supports thriving high streets and vibrant town centres throughout the day
Working together for compliance and safety
While most people respect speed limits, we know that consistent compliance matters. We’ll be working closely with the Metropolitan Police who are responsible for enforcing speed limits in London. We’ll keep you updated as plans develop.
Other London boroughs are seeing the benefits
Other boroughs including Haringey, Islington, Camden, Hackney and Waltham Forest have successfully introduced 20mph limits and seen:
- Fewer serious injuries and collisions: Transport for London reports that across more than 150 London borough 20 mph schemes implemented between 1989 and 2013, there was a 34% reduction in people killed or seriously injured on borough roads
- More people walking and cycling: Research suggests people feel safer and more confident to walk, wheel and cycle on streets where there are lower speeds
- Calmer, more vibrant communities: Children are safer, there is no adverse impact on air quality and other factors lead to stronger and safer communities
Let’s work together to make Enfield a place where people feel safe, connected, and supported to travel in ways that are better for health, community and the climate.
Who's Listening
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Enfield Council
