A new 10mph speed limit rule introduced on a popular London high street has been slammed by local residents, who have claimed the plan isn’t “viable”. Labour-run Islington Council has introduced a 10mph speed limit on St John Street, close to Smithfield Market.
Councillors have explained that the restrictions were only temporary. The new rule will be in place while roadworks are underway over the next six months. It’s part of a wider plan to completely transform St John Street, with a brand new public space ideal for pedestrians and cyclists. But the plan has still faced opposition, with locals branding the decision a “joke.”
Phil Cudlipp, 68, said: “I walk everywhere now – there’s nowhere to park my bike nine times out of ten. With all these restrictions, it’s just not a viable option. If I was going long distance it’d be fine.
“If it was 30 in the past, why isn’t it still the same? It don’t add up to me. At 10 mph, straight away people are going to be going slower, so they’re going to pile up behind each other. At traffic lights, there’ll be a lot more people sitting there and that means there’s a lot more cars ticking over going nowhere.”
56-year-old Jay also criticised the changes, adding, “It’s a joke, it’s ridiculous. In London, [speed limits] are a liberty. Twenty miles an hour, they’re blocking off all the roads, and you just can’t get around. If you’re driving, it’s a joke.”
Islington Council has previously warned that there would be restrictions on certain traffic movements while works were carried out. However, they assured residents that access to all addresses would be maintained with alternative routes signposted.
Once the work is completed, the existing southbound traffic lane will be replaced by the creation of new green space and cycle routes. Work got underway in September 2025, with the project set to be completed by the spring of 2026.
St John Street usually has a 20mph limit, and the new restrictions apply only to a certain small section of the route. However, some individuals welcomed the plan, believing the new limits could make the route safer.
Data engineer Matt Simmons, 30, explained: “I like the idea, I think this is already a very pedestrianised area. There’s tonnes of cyclists in this area, people delivering stuff and manoeuvring all over, so I think it might make it a bit safer.”
The Express has contacted Islington Council for comment.
