New 20mph speed limits to be rolled out across London under Sadiq Khan's lofty plans

The changes will be introduced on roads in Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Bromley and Lambeth.

Data suggests that if someone is hit by a car travelling at 30mph compared to 20mph, they are five times more likely to be killed.

Transport for London said the lower speed limits play a “critical role” in achieving Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Vision Zero plan.

Vision Zero aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport system by 2041.

This is similar to the European Union’s Vision Zero to halve road deaths between 2020 and 2030, and get as close as possible to zero road deaths by 2050.

The announcement, which was posted on Twitter, was met with mixed reviews from Londoners and motorists.

Some joked that it was rare for drivers to be able to travel over 20mph because of the traffic and congestion on the roads.

Others were less impressed with the changes, saying without speed cameras, drivers would ignore the plans and continue to break the limit.

One user wrote that the announcement was “fantastic news”, thanking Transport for London for taking action.

Speaking about the Vision Zero plan, Sadiq Khan said: “Sadly, too many people continue to be injured and killed on London’s roads, and every death and serious injury is a tragedy.

“Safer streets are fundamental to my vision of a city where people can travel easily, sustainably and actively, and where the noise, pollution, carbon and community impacts of motor transport are minimised.

“Since introducing the Vision Zero goal, both deaths and serious injuries in London have fallen faster than the national average.

“By 2020, the number of people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads had reduced by 52 per cent against the Government baseline.”

The Metropolitan Police is currently on target to be able to take action on a million speeding offences by 2024.

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This comes just days before the Welsh Government is expected to roll out new changes to make 20mph the default speed limit on restricted roads.