20mph zone. Pic: Scottish Greens

A petition for a 20mph speed limit between Wandsworth and Clapham has been put forward by the councillors of Northcote ward. The residential response to the changes are due in today.

The proposed changes on Wandsworth Common’s roads came after a successful 20mph scheme was introduced in 2009/10 in the West Putney area, costing £280,000.

The consultation has sparked many different opinions on local forums such as Urban75 and LoveClapham. One local resident who spoke to South London Lines said: “I have never seen a 20 limit being obeyed or enforced, so I think it will make exactly zero difference.”

Another resident of Lambeth said: “All these 20mph schemes are a complete waste of money… these schemes will only increase accidents. This is because drivers will be constantly checking their speedometers instead of observing the road ahead.”

However, some residents believe that this will be a major improvement and step towards reducing the amount of casualties caused by road accidents. Sarah Stewart, resident of Brodrick Road, said: “In the years I’ve lived here I have witnessed countless serious accidents with cars pulling out of Brodrick Road on to Trinity Road. There have been serious injuries and at least one fatality.”