consultation data on the dropping of the speed limit on the A20
Request ID: FOI-2444-2324 Date published: 01 November 2023
You asked
Under the freedom of information please can I the data on the following for the year 2020 to 2023. Can you supply the following information data please
1. The consultation data on the dropping of the speed limit on the A20 from 50mph to 40mph.
2. The notice to say that the A20 speed limit was being reduced to 40 mph 3. On what grounds of safety has the A20 speed limit been reduced.
4. Who authorised the dropping of the speed limit on the A20 5. How many accidents has there been on the A20 at the Sidcup by pass. Due to car on car contact.
6. How many speeding tickets have been issued by dropping the speed limit.
7. How much did it cost to drop the speed limit putting up the new speed limit signs.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2444-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 6 October 2023, asking for information about a speed limit on the A20.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You specifically asked:
The consultation data on the dropping of the speed limit on the A20 from 50mph to 40mph.
The speed reduction has been implemented under an emergency order owing to the significant risk to the travelling public. No formal consultation was required however the borough were informed of the proposals
The notice to say that the A20 speed limit was being reduced to 40 mph.
The notice was issued on 25/09/2023.
On what grounds of safety has the A20 speed limit been reduced.
This location has been impacted from ongoing flooding and water sheeting across the carriageway. It is marked by TfL as a critical flooding hotspot, high priority and safety critical. Owing to the flooding and water sheeting, this has caused numerous incidents in the slip lane leading into the BP forecourt, resulting in vehicles colliding into the petrol pumps. The operator of the BP forecourt has also reported the extreme safety risks posed on the A20 and within the forecourt. This applies to all passengers in all vehicles, either stationery or approaching the forecourt. There’s a significant risk for customers and staff being injured.
Who authorised the dropping of the speed limit on the A20.
TfL director level sign off with full engagement with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
How many accidents has there been on the A20 at the Sidcup by pass. Due to car on car contact.
Please see the below reported collisions, involving cars. Data covers the A20 Sidcup By-Pass from Sidcup Road j/w Green Lane to Maidstone Road j/w Swanley By-Pass for the period from 1 January 2020 to end of May 2023.
Sidcup By-Pass personal injury collisions Jan 2020 - May 2023 (provisional)
2020
2021
2022
2023 (to end of May)
Total
Car with other car(s)
9
7
4
2
22
Car with multiple vehicles, including other car(s)
1
1
1
1
4
Car with a bus/ coach
2
0
0
0
2
Car with a van/ goods vehicle
0
3
3
0
6
Car with a motorcycle
1
1
1
1
4
Car solo collisions
0
4
2
1
7
The 2023 data is provisional and subject to change.
6. How many speeding tickets have been issued by dropping the speed limit.
How much did it cost to drop the speed limit putting up the new speed limit signs.
It cost £160k comprising signage, CCTV cameras, electrical and support works.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
