The results of a three month long public consultation staged earlier this year showed a clear majority of those who took part supported a 20mph speed limit in quieter residential areas.

The change, which was unanimously endorsed by councillors from both parties on Tuesday night, will not affect Wandsworth’s busy main roads or any Transport for London-controlled Red Routes.

Cllr Cook with business spokesman Cllr Kim Caddy

Councillors were told last night that 59 per cent of those who responded to the consultation supported a 20mph limit in quieter and less busy residential streets. Sixty four per cent agreed that the limit should remain unchanged on main roads.

The council’s transport and environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “I have always supported this proposal because I believe it will deliver clear benefits for local people. But it would have been quite wrong for us to have proceeded without first asking residents and businesses for their views.

“Having received a very clear result from the consultation we can now move this scheme forward.

“In my view this change will make our streets safer for drivers, cyclists and also very importantly for pedestrians.

“We hope that improving safety levels will encourage people to leave their cars at home and travel instead by bike or on foot.

“If we can reduce the number of vehicles on our roads then not only will our streets be quieter and safer but there should also be an improvement in local air quality levels.”

Implementing a borough-wide 20mph limit will cost £725,000 and will be funded by a grant received from Transport for London.

This will pay mainly for appropriate signage and road markings to inform drivers of the lower limit. There are no plans within these proposals to introduce any additional speed humps or “sleeping policeman” anywhere in the borough.

Enforcement of the new limit will be carried out by the police, with the council working in support of their efforts, alongside community leaders, crime prevention panel members and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators. Any revenue generated by speed fines goes direct to HM Treasury not the town hall.