The results of this new survey will only strengthen Ken Livingstone's determination to roll out the blanket speed limit across London’s residential areas, one of his promises if re-elected to a third term of office.
Original: Just weeks after announcing the congestion charge to enter the center of London will rise by over 300%, the city’s controversial mayor, Ken Livingstone, is now lobbying for a reduction in speed limits in all residential zones to just 20mph (32km/h) if he is re-elected to a third term of office.
Livingstone claims the new speed limit will dramatically reduce the number of road deaths in London, stating that 90% of pedestrians die if hit at 40mph while just 2.5% die if hit at 20mph, Reuters reports. Following on from this Livingstone-logic, it would make sense to reduce the speed limit to 10mph, which would in all likelihood eliminate pedestrian death.
The announcement may come as chagrin to some British motorists who have already had to put up with Livingstone's congestion charge, which was put in place to combat emissions problems in the center of London. Considering that most experts agree the most economical rate of travel for a car is within the 40mph-70mph range, a reduction in speed limits to just 20mph would effectively be creating more emissions.
While Porsche has asked for a judicial review of Livingstone's congestion charge, it remains uncertain whether any lobby groups will defend the current speed limits - perhaps the most direct action for Londoners would be to not re-elect Livingstone, who is vying for a third term in office and a chance to lead London during its 2012 Olympic Games.