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Islington's 10mph speed limit sparks debate over practicality and safety

Sunday, 2 November 2025 5:04AM UTC

Islington Council's six-month experiment with a 10mph speed limit on St John Street to enhance pedestrian safety has divided opinion, with critics citing impracticality and drivers exceeding the limit amid ongoing roadworks.

Islington Council’s recent introduction of a temporary 10mph speed limit on St John Street in north London as part of ongoing roadworks has ignited a heated debate among motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and local residents. The scheme, which is expected to last six months, aims to enhance pedestrian safety and improve infrastructure by adding new features such as a southbound cycle lane, wider pavements, seating, and trees. However, the dramatic reduction in speed has been met with widespread criticism for being impractical and potentially counterproductive.

During a visit by reporters to the area, vehicles, cyclists, and even joggers were recorded travelling well above the 10mph limit. One van was clocked at 26mph, while some cyclists reached speeds of 18mph, both surpassing the limit by significant margins. Even pedestrians who jogged past were estimated at speeds higher than the imposed limit. Drivers express frustration, noting that maintaining such a low speed is not only difficult but can cause vehicles to stall, creating traffic congestion. A seasoned minicab driver, Jahid Cahit, who has been operating for 18 years, lamented the situation, saying the restrictions and widespread use of speed bumps have already made driving challenging and costly due to repeated fines.

The opposition to the speed limit also stems from the feeling that the council’s approach is inconsistent and insufficient. Ryan, a local minicab driver, described the changes as a "half-hearted" attempt at pedestrianisation, arguing that the road is not fully pedestrianised despite foot traffic spilling onto the streets outside pubs and businesses. He suggests that either the street should be fully pedestrianised or left open for normal traffic, rather than the current state which he views as unhelpful for any group.

The council has defended the speed restriction, explaining that it is a temporary measure necessitated by the current roadworks and the accompanying narrowing of the carriageway. Councillor Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Transport, emphasised that the limit will be removed once the works are complete and stressed efforts to minimise disruption and maintain access for residents and businesses during this period.

However, locals fear that the limit, unusually painted directly onto the road surface instead of being indicated solely by temporary signs, may remain indefinitely. Some residents, including motorcycle enthusiast Phil Cudlipp, express concerns that the ultra-low speed is impractical and inefficient, noting that many have abandoned using their motorcycles or cars due to these restrictions and limited parking.

Safety campaigners and supporters of the council’s initiatives argue that lowering speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas can reduce accidents and improve overall road safety. Islington Council has been recognised for its broader efforts to promote sustainable transport, including the introduction of low-traffic neighbourhoods, protected cycle lanes, and a borough-wide default 20mph limit, all intended to create safer, cleaner, and more livable streets.

Nonetheless, the current 10mph limit on St John Street stands out as an extreme measure that tests the tolerance and adaptability of road users. Driving charities have noted that such low speed limits are unusual and typically reserved only for resurfacing works lasting a few days, making this six-month restriction an exceptional case.

Islington’s experiment highlights the broader tensions between urban road safety ambitions, environmental goals, and the practical realities faced by everyday drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians navigating competing demands on London’s streets.

📌 Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[2] (GB News), ^[3] (Islington Tribune)
Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (Daily Mail)
Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (Daily Mail)
Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[3] (Islington Tribune)
Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (Daily Mail)
Paragraph 6 – ^[1] (Daily Mail)
Paragraph 7 – ^[3] (Islington Tribune), ^[5] (Cycle Islington)
Paragraph 8 – ^[1] (Daily Mail), ^[2] (GB News), ^[6] (Daily Express)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15245379/Life-10mph-Britain-Drivers-cyclists-JOGGERS-risk-ticketed-Labour-councils-completely-wrong-low-speed-limit-zone.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/drivers-10mph-speed-limits-islington-london-road-labour - Islington Council has implemented a temporary 10mph speed limit on a major London road during six months of construction work. This measure has sparked strong reactions from motorists, who express concerns about practical difficulties, such as vehicles stalling at low speeds and potential traffic bottlenecks. The roadworks aim to improve infrastructure, including the installation of a dedicated cycling lane and environmental enhancements. While some residents support the initiative for safety reasons, others view the restriction as excessive and counterproductive, especially given the existing 20mph limit in the area.
https://www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/parents-in-a-10mph-speed-limit-dream - A new 10mph speed limit on St John Street in Islington has ignited debate among residents and safety campaigners. The temporary restriction, implemented during six months of roadworks, aims to enhance safety and environmental conditions by installing new trees, seating, a cycle lane, and wider pavements. While some locals find the measure impractical, especially for motorcyclists and drivers, safety advocates argue that lower speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas can be beneficial. The council emphasizes that the speed limit will be lifted upon completion of the works.
https://www.islington.gov.uk/roads/apply-highways-licence/road-closures - Islington Council provides information on applying for temporary road closures and traffic management orders. Applicants are advised to apply at least six weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for processing and coordination of necessary works. The council outlines the application process, required information, and associated fees, emphasizing the importance of early application to ensure smooth implementation of road closures and related traffic management measures.
https://cycleislington.uk/2025/congratulations-to-islington-council-twice-over/ - Cycle Islington congratulates Islington Council on receiving two awards for its efforts in promoting cycling and sustainable transport. The council was recognized for its initiatives, including the introduction of low-traffic neighbourhoods, a default 20mph speed limit, and protected cycle lanes on main roads. These measures aim to create safer streets, cleaner air, and happier communities. The article highlights the council's commitment to enhancing cycling infrastructure and promoting sustainable transport options.
https://www.magzter.com/stories/newspaper/Daily-Express/COUNCIL-FEELS-THE-NEED-FOR-LESS-SPEED-WITH-10MPH-LIMIT-948794 - Residents in Islington have expressed frustration over a new 10mph speed limit imposed by the council on St John Street during six months of roadworks. Locals describe the restriction as 'ridiculous' and 'absurd,' citing difficulties in maintaining such low speeds without stalling, particularly for motorcyclists. The roadworks aim to improve infrastructure, including the installation of a dedicated cycling lane and environmental enhancements. While some support the initiative for safety reasons, others view the restriction as excessive and counterproductive.
https://londonroadsafety.org.uk/road-safety-contacts/islington/ - The London Road Safety Council provides contact information for Islington's Traffic & Safety Team, which delivers a comprehensive range of road safety initiatives for all age groups. The team aims to reduce road accidents and raise awareness of road safety issues and sustainable travel across the borough. The article includes contact details for key personnel and outlines the council's commitment to improving road safety in Islington.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being October 29, 2025. The report has been republished across multiple reputable outlets, including the Daily Mail, GB News, and the Islington Tribune. The presence of a press release from Islington Council dated October 28, 2025, indicates that the narrative is based on official information, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

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