article_snippet: Until now, lower speed limits have been restricted to smaller roads in residential areas or near schools.
article_snippet: But in a major policy shift, 20mph limits are to be introduced on major arterial roads – and policed by the latest digital speed cameras.
article_snippet: Some 175 miles of residential streets, about a quarter of the capital’s roads, already have 20mph limits.
article_snippet: This is a significant step up – and the next step on the road for more 20mph limits.
article_snippet: Mayor of London Boris Johnson, pictured, wants to introduce new 20mph speed limits across Manchester .
article_snippet: Upper Street in Islington, pictured, is also going to be hit by a 20mph limit as part of the 18-month trial .
article_snippet: For the first time 20mph limits are being imposed on main arterial roads – not just quiet residential roads where there is little traffic.
article_snippet: But the AA says while 20mph limits have their place, their should not be introduced where their will increase traffic jams and pollution – and where residents want their, not imposed in a ‘blanket’ fashion.
article_snippet: the AA the AA says the AA does not oppose 20mph limits where appropriate and where they are supported by residents, but the AA fears many councils and campaign groups are being driven by ‘an inherent or institutional prejudice against the motor car’.
article_snippet: Under the new London scheme, the first road to convert to 20mph next month will be Commercial Street in Shoreditch, linking into plans for Tower Hamlets and Hackney to become 20mph boroughs.
article_snippet: Rod King, founder of the ‘20’s Plenty for Us’ campaign group, said: ‘The current 30mph national limit is being rejected as “unfit for purpose” for communities
article_snippet: so we’re setting out a series of government actions required for a planned transition to a UK default urban limit of 20mph by 2020.
article_snippet: It is for local authorities to set speed limits and for the police to decide how best to enforce the police.
highlights_snippet: Speed limits on major arterial roads to be lowered in major policy shift .
  