Highway engineers are about to begin installing new 20mph signs and road markings to lower the speed limit in residential roads in Balham’s Bedford ward and in the Furzedown area of Tooting.

Lower limits will apply on all parts of the public highway in both wards apart from Bedford Hill, Tooting Bec Road and Mitcham Lane. The new limits are scheduled to come into effect before the end of March.  

The changes, which will cost around £120,000, are being introduced after local residents voiced overwhelming support for measures to curb vehicle speeds in their streets.

Earlier this year the council leafleted around 12,000 homes in the two wards asking residents if they supported proposals for a lower speed limit. Teams of canvassers were also used to knock on doors to ensure that local people were fully aware of the proposal.

Residents living on the large Dover House Road estate in West Putney have had a 20 mph zone for three years and councillors are keen to let more local people have a say on whether they want lower speed limits where they live.

The council will carry out formal consultation with local communities if there is clear support for the idea from local people and from ward councillors.

To find out who your local ward councillor is and how to get in touch with them visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/councillors.