The number of roads subject to 20mph speed limits under Transport for London (TfL) control has more than tripled since 2021, rising from 50 miles to 166 miles as of March this year. This increase affects nearly half of the 360 miles of highways managed by TfL across Greater London, a region spanning approximately 600 square miles.

This expansion forms part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s "Vision Zero" strategy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads. When including roads managed by local borough councils, over half of the highways across Greater London are now subject to 20mph restrictions.

The increase in 20mph zones aligns with efforts to improve road safety on residential streets and follows the broader trend of implementing lower speed limits across parts of England. However, the policy has faced criticism, with opponents characterizing it as part of a broader campaign against motorists.

Conservative transport spokesman Greg Smith described the rollout as a continuation of a "war on motorists" by the Labour administration, citing other measures such as increased cycle lanes and roadworks that he said have made driving in central London challenging.

The expansion of 20mph zones has also attracted public scrutiny due to a rise in motorists being caught by speed cameras. Notably, crime author Lynda La Plante pleaded guilty in August to five offenses related to exceeding the 20mph limit within six months in Kingston-upon-Thames.

In response to criticism, a TfL spokesman emphasized the safety benefits of reduced speed limits, stating that evidence supports the conclusion that 20mph zones save lives.

The implementation of these lower speed limits continues amid debate over balancing road safety with traffic flow and driver convenience across the capital.