Biggs endorses yet another Mayor Lutfur Rahman policy

John Biggs has admitted Mayor Lutfur Rahman’s boroughwide 20mph speed limit “will improve road safety for everyone” and his Cabinet Member for the Environment has dubbed the measure “important”. The new limit was introduced after Mayor Lutfur Rahman and his Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Shahed Ali, began looking for ways to improve road safety in the borough. They agreed that having a 20mph speed limit on all roads controlled by the Council (red routes which go through the Borough are controlled by Transport for London) would be the most effective proposal. After all, a huge percentage of roads in Tower Hamlets already had 20mph speed limits – and having one uniform, boroughwide standard would make the limit easier to observe and to enforce. The proposal went out to consultation and was endorsed – without any ordinary electors querying the standard of consultation or the result (80% in favour).

The new limit was swiftly introduced, and Council staff began putting signs up throughout the borough. Now the new signage is in place, the Council is beginning an awareness campaign. A image of a sloth hanging from a 20mph sign, drawn by a local school pupil, has been selected to brand the campaign. It features prominently on adverts that are being displayed on roadside banners, bus stops and on the back of London buses that go through the borough.

John Biggs has not only welcomed the speed limit on safety grounds, but he has also echoed Mayor Lutfur Rahman’s statements on how pedestrians and cyliclists will welcome the limit. Biggs said, “This can only reassure those residents who choose the healthier option to walk or cycle in Tower Hamlets.” His Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Ayas Miah, concentrated on not being too controversial, merely stating: “The image of the sloth will help publicise the introduction of this important speed limit.”

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