Speed limits of 20mph could be imposed on most residential roads in an effort to improve road safety.

Cllr Mick McCarthy, Barking and Dagenham’s cabinet member for the environment, is supporting calls for a London-wide introduction of the limit on all but main roads by 2020.

“Personally I can’t see the reason why anyone needs to drive at 30mph down a back road,” Cllr McCarthy said.

“And of course, the problem with a 30mph limit is that many drivers feel they can creep above it and end up driving even faster.

“I’m not talking about main roads, but on side streets I think a 20mph limit makes sense.

“We already have this on some roads, particularly near schools. At lower speeds you have fewer accidents and, if collisions do occur, injuries are less severe.”

His comments came after London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Isabel Dedring, voiced her support for 20mph limits. He said he hoped his comments would start a debate in Barking and Dagenham to find out what residents think.

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