A borough-wide 20mph limit has “finally” been enforced by police - nearly a year after the limit was brought in.
On Tuesday, cops and Islington Council officers headed to Highbury Park, in Highbury, with a speed gun and stopped 60 vehicles – 46 cars, 10 vans, three motorbikes an a lorry – who were travelling more than 20mph.
During the operation – one of five across the borough – motorist who were pulled over were given a reminder to slow down.
As revealed by a Gazette investigation last year, not a single ticket has issued been issued since the ban started, despite the council spending almost £500,000 advertising it.
John Ackers, from Islington Cyclists Action Group (ICAG), said: “We strongly support police enforcement of the cross borough 20mph speed limit. So we welcome the stop and advise sessions on Highbury Park outside the school. It sends an important message to motorists.”
Islington’s borough commander Det Chf Sup Gerry Campbell, said: “The operations are currently being conducted in a way to educate and influence motorists attitude to road safety and the consequences of how they use our roads.
Cllr Andy Hull, Islington Council’s executive member for transport, said: “We want Islington’s roads to be safer for everyone, and that’s why we made Islington a 20mph borough.
“We’re now targeting hotspots where a lot of drivers are still going well over the 20mph – speeding drivers are pulled over for a reminder.
“We will also be taking further action to get across the message on 20mph, building on these initial steps.”
Since October last year, all roads in Islington have been subject to the new controls, except Transport for London (TfL) managed thoroughfares like Seven Sisters Road, which are still 30mph.
Cllr Terry Stacy, leader of the opposition Lib Dem group, said: “This is good news, I am glad to see the police and council finally doing something to control offences rather than just sticking up expensive signed everywhere.
“I wonder whether this operation was something to do with the accident a few days ago when a vehicle hit a bus stop on the same road?”
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