From Monday 2^nd March, the speed limit for roads in London’s Congestion Charging Zone will be lowered to 20mph.

This change comes as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) plan to achieve Vision Zero, a plan to eliminate accidents across the capital’s transport network. The change will involve the recalibration of all speed cameras in the affected area, and, from April, a dedicated speed enforcement team will be targeting drivers breaking the speed limit.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, spoke on the matter, stating, “I am absolutely determined to do everything I can to eradicate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads and these new measures are a vital step along the way to helping us to achieve this.”

“By cutting speed limits on TfL’s roads within the Congestion Zone we are saving lives, while at the same time making our streets more appealing for Londoners to walk and cycle around the capital.”

This change in the speed limit will affect all vehicles, including electric and hybrid-electric buses, which pose a greater threat to road users when travelling at a lower speed.

These vehicles are near silent when travelling at low speeds, and the organic noise they generate when travelling at higher speeds acts as a warning for road users.

The lower speed limit means that these vehicles spend more time travelling more slowly and, consequently, more quietly, which could potentially lead to an increase in accidents involving quiet road vehicles.

The new UNECE Regulation 138, regarding quiet vehicles and the requirement for them to emit a sound when travelling, will come into effect for all new quiet vehicles in September 2021.

Ahead of this regulation, Transport for London is introducing the requirement for an AVAS module to be fitted to quiet public transport vehicles operating across London in their Bus Safety Standard. The Forman V-AVAS Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is already on trial on one route and is due to be trialed on several more routes in the coming months.

More information on the change can be found in TfL’s press release.

Take a look at our V-AVAS Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, or call us on +44(0)1642 713530 to find out what we can do for you.