Fury erupts as new 10mph speed limit introduced on | Tech News

A new 10mph speed limit rule introduced on a well-liked London high avenue has been slammed by native residents, who’ve claimed the plan is not “viable”. Labour-run Islington Council has introduced a 10mph speed limit on St John Street, close to Smithfield Market. 

Councillors have explained that the restrictions were only temporary. The new rule will be in place while roadworks are underway over the next six months. It’s part of a wider plan to completely transform St John Street, with a brand new public space ideal for pedestrians and cyclists. But the plan has still faced opposition, with locals branding the decision a “joke.” 

Phil Cudlipp, 68, said: “I stroll in every single place now – there’s nowhere to park my bike 9 instances out of ten. With all these restrictions, it is simply not a viable option. If I used to be going long distance it might be fantastic.

“If it was 30 in the past, why isn’t it still the same? It don’t add up to me. At 10 mph, straight away people are going to be going slower, so they’re going to pile up behind each other. At traffic lights, there’ll be a lot more people sitting there and that means there’s a lot more cars ticking over going nowhere.”

56-year-old Jay additionally criticised the adjustments, including, “It’s a joke, it’s ridiculous. In London, [speed limits] are a liberty. Twenty miles an hour, they’re blocking off all the roads, and you just can’t get around. If you’re driving, it’s a joke.”

Islington Council has beforehand warned that there could be restrictions on sure site visitors actions whereas works have been carried out. However, they assured residents that entry to all addresses could be maintained with various routes signposted.

Once the work is accomplished, the present southbound site visitors lane will probably be changed by the creation of new inexperienced space and cycle routes. Work bought underway in September 2025, with the project set to be accomplished by the spring of 2026.

St John Street normally has a 20mph limit, and the new restrictions apply solely to a sure small part of the route. However, some people welcomed the plan, believing the new limits may make the route safer. 

Data engineer Matt Simmons, 30, defined: “I like the idea, I think this is already a very pedestrianised area. There’s tonnes of cyclists in this area, people delivering stuff and manoeuvring all over, so I think it might make it a bit safer.”

The Express has contacted Islington Council for remark.