Speed limit reduction on the A20 from Sidcup to Swanley intersections
Request ID: FOI-2558-2324 Date published: 07 November 2023
You asked
A detailed report on the reasoning(s) for changing entire Southbound speed limit from Sidcup to Swanley section of A20.
Including 'Speed Limit Appraisal Tool' results (or similar report) for each section of road where speed limit were reduced.
And total cost of the average speed camera installation as opposed to vehicle activated signage (VAS) at the exact stretch of road which has presented safety concerns.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2558-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 October 2023 asking for information about the southbound speed limit from Sidcup to Swanley section of the A20.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked for:
A detailed report on the reasoning(s) for changing entire Southbound speed limit from Sidcup to Swanley section of A20.
Including 'Speed Limit Appraisal Tool' results (or similar report) for each section of road where speed limit were reduced.
Safety is our number one priority and we have temporarily introduced a 40mph speed limit on the A20 Sidcup Road owing to ongoing surface water flooding and water sheeting which has caused a number of safety concerns. This presents a serious risk to road users and this reduced speed limit will stay in place until permanent drainage measures can be installed. 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 extent of the speed restriction was determined to ensure it could be enforced with average speed cameras and to avoid too many changes of speed limit along the route. For this reason the new restriction extends from the existing 40mph restriction adjacent to Woodchurch Close to the National Highways boundary at Swanley. The surface water flooding has caused numerous aquaplaning incidents (seven reported loss of control collisions between 2019-2022). This is especially severe 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 within all vehicles either stationery or approaching the forecourt. This is a significant risk of customers and staff being injured as a result of such injury. The speed limit will be retained until permanent drainage remedial works are implemented to mitigate the surface water issue.
And total cost of the average speed camera installation as opposed to vehicle activated signage (VAS) at the exact stretch of road which has presented safety concerns.
We can advise that it cost £160k comprising signage, CCTV cameras, electrical and support works.
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Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
