FOI Request regarding The A20 GLA Road 40mph Order - Sidcup
Request ID: FOI-2679-2324 Date published: 20 November 2023
You asked
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to make an FOI request concerning the
The A20 GLA Road (Sidcup By-Pass, London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley) (Temporary 40 M.P.H. Speed Limit) Order 2023 which recently implemented a 40mph speed limit and average speed cameras on the eastbound section of the A20, specifically between Sidcup and the petrol service station.
This order states that the speed restrictions have been put in place because of the likelihood of danger to the public or of serious damage to the road. In light of this statement, I would like to request the disclosure of the relevant data and statistics that contributed to the decision made in the order, specifically those documents that demonstrated the likelihood of danger to the public were the order not enacted, including:
1. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) statistics for the specified road segment. Including a collision summary and injury / fatality summary for the last 5 years.
2. Other documents that justify the implementation of the order and which were used in its determination.
With such little consultation or public information available on why this restriction has been put in place, there seems no alternative other than making an FOI request. Furthermore, having access to this information will help provide a better understanding of the factors that influenced this decision and its potential safety benefits. It would also assist in addressing any concerns or questions from the community regarding this change.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-2679-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 26 October 2023 asking for information about the A20 GLA Road 40mph Order – Sidcup.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
Safety is our number one priority and we have temporarily introduced a 40mph speed limit on theA20 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 (photos below). 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.
Please also find attached collision data and a summary report for this location.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
