New speed controls are being rolled out on roads close to nearly 40 schools as pupils return following summer holidays.

The targeted trial will bring 20mph roads to areas surrounding 38 schools in Westminster borough.

The trial, which will last 12 months, launched on Monday (September 4) and will be primarily concentrated in several areas in the north and south of the borough as part of a drive to create a safer, healthier and more pleasant environment.

The program is aiming to increase walking and cycling, and to make more vulnerable road users - such as cyclists, older people and school children - feel safer.

Behind the wheel in west London

The majority of the schools are in the Marylebone and West Kilburn areas.

To assist in evaluating the impact, speed and traffic flow data will be gathered from more than 70 sensors across the trial roads.

This trial will enable the council to closely consult local schools, residents and businesses, and use data to validate its effectiveness before any further roll out is considered.

New 20mph signs will be up at all locations by next week, while Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) will also remind drivers and riders to adhere to the speed limit and if travelling too fast.

Map of the northern part of the borough, with affected roads shows in yellow

The 38 schools included in the trial will be receiving a tailored road safety education programme, which will include a school banner competition, theatre show, lessons and on-road pedestrian training to help engage and inform students on the changes.

Westminster City Council said it will closely consult local schools, residents and businesses, and use data to validate its effectiveness before any further roll out is considered.

Map of the southern part of the borough, with roads in yellow showing the reduced speed limit

Cllr Danny Chalkley, cabinet member for city highways said: “The trial supports Westminster’s aim of improving the public realm for all road users and we hope that more people will be encouraged to walk and cycle.

“By placing schools at the centre of the trial, we are ensuring a safer environment for our youngest residents.

“We are encouraged by the high level of support received for the trial from residents.”

A spokesman from the Metropolitan Police said: “The Metropolitan Police have been consulted by Westminster City Council throughout the 20mph trial and are working collaboratively to improve road safety in Westminster.”

Schools near the new 20mph trial zones

  • Abercorn
  • All Souls CoE Primary
  • Arnold House
  • Christ Church Bentinck CoE Primary
  • Churchill Gardens Primary
  • College Park
  • Connaught House
  • Dorothy Gardner Centre
  • Essendine Primary
  • Fairley House
  • International Community School - Primary
  • Ark King Solomon Academy
  • Mary Paterson Nursery
  • Millbank Academy
  • Pimlico Academy
  • Queen's Park Primary
  • Robinsfield Infants
  • Soho Parish CoE
  • St Augustine's CoE High
  • St Augustine's CoE Primary
  • St Clement Dane's CoE Primary
  • St Edward's RC Primary
  • St James and St John CoE Primary
  • St Joseph's RC Primary
  • St Luke's CoE Primary
  • St Mary of the Angels RC Primary
  • St Mary Bryanston Square CoE
  • St Saviour's CoE Primary
  • St Vincent de Paul RC Primary
  • Sylvia Young Theatre School
  • The American School in London
  • The Grey Coat Hospital School
  • St Marylebone CoE
  • Westminster Cathedral Choir School
  • Wetherby Prep School
  • Halcyon London International School
  • Pimlico Primary

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!