Councillor Feryal Demirci with Hackney youths. Pic: Hackney Council.

A 20mph speed limit will be introduced across Hackney later this year in an attempt by Hackney Council to improve road safety, reducing casualty numbers by a further 10 per cent.

Traffic accidents have reportedly been reduced by up to 50 per cent since the introduction of a 20mph limit on certain roads in 2008.

Councillor Feryal Demirci said: “As London’s top walking and cycling borough this roll-out makes sense. Lower speeds will see a calmer and safer environment, and we hope to have more walking and playing outside, which in turn will have a positive impact on health and the community.”

“We are asking all motorists to respect the new lower speed limit when it comes in to force and will be working closely with the police to enforce where cars don’t adhere to the speed limit.”

The speed limit will be enforced with the help of police officers as well as road signs and markings.

The council will start a statutory consultation regarding the limit on March 9, to consult the changes with the public.

Tom Platt, London Policy Manager for pedestrian charity Living Streets, said the speed ban is good news for everyone in the borough.

He said: “Councils across London are now recognising that lower speed limits significantly improve the quality of our streets, reducing road danger and creating more inviting places to walk and spend time. Making walking safer and easier is the best way to encourage people to build some physical activity into their day.”

The speed limit will be introduced across the entire borough with the exception of Ruckholt Road and some public transport routes, which account for 8.5 per cent of the boroughs road traffic.

“Speed limits and 20mph zones have already cut casualties on our residential streets but we can always do more to prevent accidents and improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Demirci.

“We hope by extending this we can reduce casualties by a further 10 per cent.”