In light of councillors in neighbouring Croydon giving borough- wide 20mph speed limits the green light, surely it is time that Sutton’s Liberal Democratrun council did the same.

It is, after all, Lib Dem party policy, so why the delay?

Camden and Islington councils and the south London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark are already streets ahead. Only 10 per cent of the borough’s roads have a 20mph limit, yet lower speed limits have been shown to reduce accidents, especially fatalities.

The also help to create safer, calmer and less threatening streets – particularly for more vulnerable people such as children, the elderly and the visually impaired.

Moreover, a recent Department for Transport survey ranked Sutton 28 out of 33 boroughs when it came to the proportion of residents who cycle at least once a month.

In Sutton just 10 per cent cycle once a month compared to 22 per cent in neighbouring Kingston and 34 per cent in Richmond.

The street environment is clearly not conducive to these healthier and less polluting modes of transport and very much at odds with Sutton Council claims about promoting more active forms of travel.

If Sutton is serious about becoming London’s most sustainable suburb it must move beyond vague promises to firm commitments.

Rather than converting pavements into cycling routes, we need bespoke space for cyclists and walkers alike, alongside a 20mph borough-wide speed limit that keeps people safe.

ROSS HEMINGWAY
Green Party candidate for Carshalton and Wallington