A campaign to reduce the speed limit in the borough has hit the buffers after councillors demanded more research.

Councillors are keen to slow traffic to a maximum speed of 20mph on most roads in an attempt to improve the borough's safety record.

Latest figures from the Department for Transport show more cyclists and pedestrians are being seriously injured or killed on Merton's roads than any time since 2005.

However at Wednesday's (16) Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting, councillors were told that between 1996 and 2011 the borough had experienced a 65 per cent reduction in those killed or seriously injured.

A report presented to the meeting showed 20mph speed limits reduced the average speed of motorists by 0.9 miles per hour.

Labour councillor Dennis Pearce questioned whether the investment it would take to impliment the scheme was worthwhile, considering the overall speed reduction, and asked who would enforce it.

Shas Sheehan, chairwoman of 20's Plenty group, said after the meeting: "Police already enforce 30mph on residential roads so this would be no different. Police must enforce the law whatever it is.

All evidence points to the fact a 20mph limit in residential areas smooths traffic. The fact we can't agree on this is very frustrating, this scheme will save lives."

Ms Sheehan pointed to the examples where the 20mph speed limit in enforced successfully such as Portsmouth, Manchester and Islington.

 

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