Paralympic star and Islington school back new road safety campaign

A paralympic champion and school children have joined campaign to encourage boroughs to follow Islington’s lead and implement a 20 mph speed limit on main roads.

Pupils at William Tyndale Primary in Sable Street, Islington, held a street party to launch charity Brake’s new GO 20 campaign to coincide with Road Safety Week last month.

The event was also attended by Brake representatives, Met Police officers, Islington councillors and Paralympian Gold medal winner Danny Crates.

Islington Council is introducing a 20mph speed limit on all its main roads such as Hornsey Road and Essex Road, but cannot implement the scheme on roads owned by Transport for London Work such as Holloway Road. Work has already started and is expected to be complete by March.

Hackney Council is also piloting the same scheme on roads bordering Islington next year.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, said: “Everyone in London and the South East should be able to walk and cycle in their community without fear or threat: it’s a basic right, and GO 20 is about defending that.”

Danny Crates, Paralympics presenter, gold medal winner and GO 20 ambassador, said: “Bringing about the 2012 legacy we all want to see isn’t only about providing sports facilities. It’s also about making our towns, cities and villages places where kids and adults can get out and about – running, walking, cycling, visiting friends, going to the park – without being put in danger, or even being hurt or killed. That’s why I’m behind GO 20, and appealing to everyone who’s been inspired by the Games to get behind this important campaign.”