Hundreds of Richmond residents have signed a petition in a controversial attempt to overturn the 20mph speed limit on most of the area's roads.

The petition, started by Akash Gandhi, aims to return Richmond to a 30mph limit borough-wide. It led to a backlash from cyclists and safety campaigners.

Posted on the council website, the petition claims that the 20mph limit has made Richmond's roads more dangerous.

Specifically, it claims: "There has been an increase in dangerous and aggressive driving since the introduction of the 20mph speed limit.

"Examples include - people tailgating, behaving aggressively and overtaking other drivers at speed which could result in other drivers or pedestrians being seriously hurt."

It adds: "Cyclists are overtaking cars on both the inside and outside as they are cycling faster than the cars."

The petition was launched on September 18 and runs until December 18. It currently has 600 signatures. Only Richmond residents can sign it because an account with the local council is needed.

It has been opposed by councillors, the Richmond Cycling Campaign and the 20's Plenty for Us campaign group. Cllr Andree Frieze (Richmond Riverside, Petersham and Ham; Green Party) has campaigned for 20mph limits for years, arguing they are "essential to encourage people to use healthier and more active forms of transport, plus reduce reliance on cars which are choking our lungs and our road".

Cycling champion Tim Lennon said: "Richmond Cycling Campaign welcomed the borough-wide introduction of 20mph as a significant step to making our streets safer. With TfL moving more of its own roads to 20mph, and the proven benefits - in health, air quality and safety - it would be the definition of insanity to try to unwrap this important change.

"At a time when the UN itself recognises the widespread benefits of default 20mph limits, we would look like the worst luddites to be trying to unwrap a measure supported by every political party in the borough."

No going back

20's Plenty London co-ordinator Jeremy Leach told Richmond Nub News: "20mph limits are so important because they even up the balance between the needs of people who walk and cycle and those who drive.

"At a maximum of 20mph far fewer people are injured on the roads and more people feel safe to walk and cycle...those short journeys that many people drive at present suddenly become pleasant to walk or cycle.

"So, Richmond bringing in its 20mph limit is very much part of the move that allows people to lead happier and healthier lives by being able to walk and cycle more. In other parts of London where 20mph limits have been in for longer, it has taken a little while to settle down. But none of those boroughs have ever considered going back to the old 30mph limit."

The widespread 20mph zones were introduced early last year in an effort to improve road safety and reduce vehicle speeds on roads with highest rates of non-compliance.

Residents' views

When originally proposed in 2018 the speed limit split opinion, with 49.7% of the 10,000 residents who responded being opposed and only 47.9% in support.

Despite this, 52% of residents agreed that a 20mph limit should reduce the number and severity of road accidents and an amended version of the proposal was passed by Richmond Council's cabinet in March 2019.

Exceptions to the 20mph speed limit include the A316 and A205; most of the A308 corridor between Kingston and Hampton comprising of Hampton Court Road and Upper Sunbury Road; the A310 corridor and part of the A305 corridor.

A petition supporting the 20mph speed limit has also posted on the council website.

Statistics

• across the UK, more than 21 million people now live on 20mph roads
• in London more than half of all Londoners live on streets with 20mph limits
• more than 20 of London's 33 boroughs have implemented a default speed limit of 20mph

Road Safety Week

It is National Road Safety Week and the Met said it has stepped up enforcement action.

Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens of the Roads and Transport Policing Command said: "Speeding is one of the biggest contributors to serious and fatal collisions in London and officers will be working hard to ensure those who speed in the capital will be stopped.

"Last year, of the 125 fatal collisions on London's roads, in half of these cases, speed was a contributing factor to the collision. That is 125 times an officer had to deliver news that a loved one would not be coming home.

"Many people have been taking advantage of the quieter roads to get around more quickly, but I am here to tell you that officers are out actively targeting, not just this week, but day in and day out, those who speed. This can result in the loss of their license and huge charges. This RSW, it is simply not worth the risk to yourself or others to speed in the capital."

In July 2018, the Mayor of London, TfL and the Met Police launched the Vision Zero action plan to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London's streets by 2041.

What do you think?

We'd love to hear your thoughts about the speed limits in our borough.

Tell us your opinion by emailing [email protected]

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