A total of eight pilot 20mph zones have been announced by Transport for London (TfL) and mayor of London Boris Johnson.

At present, 25 per cent of all roads in London have 20mph limits. Camden, Islington and the City of London also have a blanket 20mph limit for all borough roads, and Hackney is planning to bring in a similar measure next year.

The first confirmed pilot will be Commercial Street in Tower Hamlets, ahead of all the borough’s roads being restricted to 20mph in the coming months. Like the seven other pilots, the limit will initially be in place for 18 months, and will be subject to close monitoring.

Announcing the experiment, Mr Johnson said: “Lower speeds have the potential to significantly improve road safety while enhancing the environment for walking and cycling. As well as actively supporting and funding the installation of 20mph zones and limits on borough roads across London, we have also been looking at the TfL Road Network to see where further 20 mph limits could provide significant benefits.”