20mph zones in Barnet
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20mph Zone Policy
Barnet’s 20mph zone policy was introduced following Cabinet approval at its meeting on 18 November 2025. It sets out:
- how residents can propose their area for consideration for a 20mph zone
- the process any proposals will be taken through before their introduction.
A 20mph zone is an area where the speed limit is reduced to 20mph, and physical traffic calming measures are introduced to ensure the speed limit is self-enforcing. Physical traffic calming measures may include the introduction of speed bumps, speed cushions, speed tables, road narrowing, islands and build-outs.
A public consultation took place on the policy between 26 June and 25 August 2025.
20mph Zone policy (PDF, 2.39 MB)
How we select areas suitable for a 20mph zone
Neighbourhood-led process
To put forward an application for a new 20mph zone, you should be someone who:
- lives or works in the area being proposed
- represents the neighbourhood, such as a member of a residents’ association or a Councillor
- has children attending, or work in, a school in the area or
- operates a business or other organisation, such as a charity, within the area.
To help the council understand whether a 20mph zone is the appropriate measure for the area, you will need to complete an application form and provide supporting evidence.
If you are unable to complete our online application, please email highwayscorrespondence@barnet.gov.uk
You may wish to also submit a petition alongside the application to show local support for the introduction of a new 20mph zone: Get involved: Petitions to the borough council.
All applications for new 20mph zones will be progressed following the step-by-step process below.
Council-led process
There may be occasions where the council decides there is a need to identify and investigate known speed or collision issues in a particular location, for example a busy junction or a road collision hotspot.
These investigations may lead to council officers proposing that a 20mph zone may be a potential solution. The investigation and identification of a 20mph zone’s suitability may form part of a wider programme of road safety initiatives undertaken by the council.
Approval to proceed with a 20mph zone identified by the council will also be subject to the consultation and decision-making process the council uses for road safety schemes.
How 20mph zone proposals are progressed
Assessment stage
The council will make an initial assessment to confirm traffic speeds are an issue in an area and whether a 20mph zone is the best solution for any problem.
This assessment will involve analysis of traffic speed data and collision data. If the analysis shows that speeds or the numbers of speed-related collisions are particularly high, then a 20mph zone may be considered as an appropriate solution.
A more detailed review will be then undertaken to show whether a location is suitable for a 20mph zone. Council officers will carry out a site inspection to review the area and road layout and observe the local conditions and street users. We will invite applicants and councillors to join us on this inspection to get their local insight and knowledge.
Following the assessment, a recommendation will be made as to whether a 20mph zone is the most suitable solution for the area, or if alternative road safety measures - such as sign-only a 20mph limit - are better suited:
You will receive a notification regarding the outcome of the assessment and any next steps.
Initial concept design and public consultation
The council will work with the local community and other stakeholders to develop an initial design. Stakeholders will vary depending on the nature of the scheme, but will always include the emergency services, local interest groups and TfL.
Once the initial design has been developed it will be taken to public consultation for all residents to have their say.
If the public consultation demonstrates support for the scheme, and formal approval is given, we will progress with the scheme subject to availability of funding.
Final design
The council will develop the final detailed design of the scheme.
Amendments to the initial design may be made based on feedback from stakeholders, or if any alterations in the area, such as the introduction of a new disabled bay, affect the proposals.
Statutory consultation and traffic orders
Following approval of the final detailed designs, the council will programme the work required to introduce the scheme. This will include the installation of necessary signs; further traffic calming measures and any other measures identified in the detailed designs.
Residents and other stakeholders affected by the works will be notified ahead of the start date.
The council uses experimental traffic management orders (ETMOs) to test schemes such as 20mph zones in real time. An ETMO can last up to 18 months for monitoring and assessment, with the first six-months forming the statutory consultation period.
All feedback and formal objections will be reviewed following the initial six-months. If changes are made, an additional six-month statutory consultation period may apply.
Feedback is welcome throughout, and a decision whether to make the 20mph zone permanent be made within the 18 months.
Contact us
Contact the Road Safety Team with any questions by emailing: highwayscorrespondence@barnet.gov.uk.