TfL considering modifying cycle lane on Blackfriars Bridge

The 20mph campaign has made some progress with the London Assembly today unanimously supporting this motion:

Wednesday, 20 July 2011

Assembly calls for review of Blackfriars Bridge speed limit
London Assembly members today unanimously called on the Mayor to order a full scale review of the speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge. The move follows a decision to revert to a 30 mph speed limit on the bridge following a temporary 20 mph restriction during works on the bridge.
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Jenny Jones AM**, who proposed the amended motion, said:
“I believe that safety for all road users should be our top priority and that a permanent 20 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge could help reduce casualties and save lives as well as the expense of cashes. I’m pleased to have the unanimous backing of the Assembly in our call for the Mayor to have a fresh think about Blackfriars Bridge on the basis of a full scale review of all the facts.”

The amended motion was seconded by** Caroline Pidgeon, AM**, who said:
“A third of the peak time traffic across Blackfriars Bridge are cyclists and we already know that they are at significantly more risk when travelling across bridges than they are on similar city roads. That’s why we want Transport for London (TfL) to take a robust look at the safety of all users on Blackfriars Bridge and for the Mayor to use the facts to put safety first."
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Andrew Boff AM**, who moved a successful amendment to the motion, said:
“I am staggered that so many cyclists use Blackfriars Bridge, if it was on my commuting route I wouldn’t because it is too dangerous. I hope a full review of the new layout and speed limits on the bridge and the publication of all the relevant data will result in a sensible solution that will address the needs and safety of all users."

The full text of the motion reads as follows:
“This Assembly notes the decision to revert to a 30 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge. We also note the recent decision of the Corporation of London to consider plans for the whole of the City of London to become a 20 mph zone, and understand that if they take this decision they would be likely to ask Transport for London to agree to make TfL roads 20 mph. This Assembly asks that the Mayor instructs TfL to implement a full review investigating the practicalities, advantages and disadvantages of a 20 mph limit on Blackfriars Bridge. The review should include previous TfL reports, such as that on 20 mph speed limit on London’s Thames bridges and also the effect of such a change on all road users (including pedestrians) north, south or on the bridge itself. Meanwhile, TfL should keep under review the decision to revert to a 30 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge. We also urge the Mayor to revisit the plans for the bridge with particular attention to cyclists making right turns when exiting the bridge at either end.”
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Notes for editors:**

[*]The motion was agreed unanimously at a meeting of the full Assembly today. Watch the webcast.
[*]As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.