Motorists have fumed over a temporary 10mph speed limit restriction in place across a vital road in London that will remain in force for half a year while construction work takes place.
Labour-run Islington Council implemented the measure on the stretch of road between Angel Underground Station and Smithfield Market.
The dramatically reduced speed limit, down from the usual 20mph, has provoked strong reactions from road users who warn of practical difficulties.
Concerns have been raised about vehicles struggling to maintain such low speeds without stalling, while others fear the restriction will create traffic bottlenecks.
The measure accompanies major infrastructure improvements, including the installation of a dedicated cycling lane, rain gardens and new tree planting along the route. Local residents have expressed frustration with the new measure, describing it as absurd and impractical.
A resident called the restriction “a joke” and “ridiculous”, stating that “in London, [speed limits] are a liberty… If you’re driving, it’s a joke.”
Phil Cudlipp explained that his Harley-Davidson motorcycle already struggles at 20mph and would stall at the lower speed. “I walk everywhere now, there’s nowhere to park my bike nine times out of 10,” he told The Telegraph.
He warned that the restriction would create queues of vehicles moving slowly, adding: “At traffic lights, there’ll be a lot more people sitting there, and that means there’s a lot more cars ticking over going nowhere.”
The 10mph speed limit has already proved unpopular among residents and workers across the area
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GETTYCommercial establishments along the affected stretch have experienced a significant financial impact since construction commenced. One shop owner reported a 25 per cent reduction in takings, which he attributes to the roadworks blocking access.
“At the moment we’re struggling, we’re losing the parking, losing the business at the moment,” the owner explained. He expressed concern about the extended timeline, noting that the disruption would continue for six to seven months.
The shop owner indicated that customer footfall had decreased substantially due to the road closure. “Less people are coming because this road is blocked,” he said, warning that trade would likely continue declining throughout the construction period.
Not all residents oppose the measure, however. One engineer welcomed the reduced speed limit, arguing it would improve safety in what he described as an already heavily pedestrianised zone.
The 10mph limit will be in place while road works get underway
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“I like the idea; I think this is already a very pedestrianised area,” he said. He noted the high volume of cyclists navigating the street, along with delivery personnel who frequently need to manoeuvre across the carriageway.
“There are tonnes of cyclists in this area, people delivering stuff and manoeuvring all over, so I think it might make it a bit safer,” he added.
His perspective contrasts sharply with the majority of residents interviewed, who view the restriction as excessive and counterproductive for an area that already operates under a 20mph limit.
But Islington councillor Rowena Champion defended the temporary measure as essential for public safety during the construction phase. She emphasised that the project emerged from extensive community engagement dating back to 2019, with further public consultation conducted in late 2024.
The temporary 10mph speed limits will be in place for roughly six months
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PAMs Rowena told GB News: “In 2019, we heard what local people had to say about issues in the St John’s Street area and what they would like the project to bring. In late 2024, we held a public consultation on our plans; local people told us about the importance of creating a greener, more accessible, and pleasant street environment for residents and local workers.
“These changes will do just that. They will make the area safer, greener, and more enjoyable for everyone—and they’ll help us tackle the climate crisis by encouraging more environmentally friendly ways of getting around and providing cooler, more absorbent surfaces to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
She explained that the work requires the temporary narrowing of the carriageway, which has caused the temporary 10mph speed restriction.
“We continue to work with local residents and businesses to ensure that access to all addresses and businesses is maintained throughout the works, and disruption is kept to a minimum,” Ms Rowena added.
