Ealing Council could impose a 20mph borough-wide speed limit if a pilot scheme in Acton meets with public approval.

The borough's Labour cabinet agreed on July 21 to seek residents’ views and, depending on the outcome, introduce the lower limit in Acton for the year, starting in summer 2016.

If the trial is deemed a success, the 20mph speed limit would be extended to residential areas and town centres across the borough by spring 2019, with exemptions for red routes like the A312.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “We already have 20mph zones or limits in 37% of roads in Ealing and reducing speeds across the borough will bring many benefits, such as enhancing road safety and improving the health and quality of life for our residents.

"Studies have shown that a borough wide speed reduction could prevent approximately 60 casualties each year. We want our roads to be among the safest in London and actively encourage drivers not only to reduce their speed, but also to get out of their cars and walk or cycle in our borough."

This means Ealing would become the first borough in west London to have a borough wide 20mph speed limit, which would also be one of the largest area-wide zones in London.

The council said the 20mph proposals are a response to concerns raised in the most recent residents’ survey.

The intention is to increase road safety, reduce noise and encourage cycling and walking.

A lower speed limit would also be in line with a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) review on tackling the causes of early death which identifies large public health benefits when traffic speeds are lowered.

Ealing Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Gary Malcolm said his party supports a cut in speeds.

The Southfield ward councillor added: “We have a 20mph zone in my ward that was introduced recently and it was good to lead the way.

"We support the 20mph zones and hope they will reduce the number of accidents particularly to pedestrians and cyclists who are often the most vulnerable.”

Cllr Gregory Stafford, Ealing Conservative leader, said a public consultation is the “best way” to implement any change in speed limits.

“However, the council needs to properly monitor and evaluate it. We need to ensure that it is properly enforced and that there are no detrimental unintended consequences,” he added.