TfL Ref: FOI-2917-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 13 November 2023, asking for information about a speed reduction 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 the information you require. You specifically asked:
1. In both cases the road is not bordered by houses or shops. The road is in effect a country road. Why has the speed limit been reduced?
2. What evidence relating to the specific road has been gathered and acted on?
3. The reduction from 70mph to 40mph for a country dual carriageway with no pedestrian presence seems exceptionally harsh. So who is this aimed at protecting?
4. What public consultation with those who drive the road has been undertaken?
We’ve had to temporarily introduce 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 the 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 and the borough was informed of our proposal. 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 people within all vehicles either stationery or approaching the forecourt.
The speed limit will be retained until permanent drainage remedial works are implemented to mitigate the surface water issue. Works are due to commence in mid-2024.
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
