Community leaders are backing a campaign for 20mph speed limits in all residential roads.

A group of residents went to a public meeting to debate the issue at the Friends Meeting Hall, in Church Hill, Winchmore Hill.

The campaign is led by Palmers Green Councillor Chris Cole, who says people need to speak together over calming traffic.

He said: “We agreed to support more 20mph zones in Enfield.

“We also agreed to support schools in using more visible uniforms to help avoid traffic accidents.

“This would include day-glow arm bands.

“We also support raising of the minimum driving age for a full driving licence to 18 but with allowance to have a provisional driving licence at 17.”

Cllr Cole intends to lobby the council for action.

John Jewson, 63, deputy chairman of Bush Hill Park Residents’ Association, has been a paramedic for 32 years and believes the growing volume of cars on the road has increased the risk of serious accidents.

Mr Jewson, of Edenbridge Road, Bush Hill Park, said it was better being hit by a car travelling at 20 or 30mph rather than one going at 40 or 50mph.

He said: “We need a blanket system where all side roads and back roads have 20mph limits. It’s something Boris Johnson should roll out for London.”

Irene Wilson, 77, of Carnarvon Avenue, The Willow Estate, Enfield, is chairman of the Willow Residents’ Association.

She said: “Parents worry about children crossing the road safely and increases in the numbers of cars means roads are more dangerous.

“ A 20mph limit would be a good way of improving safety.”

Tony Kingsnorth, 71, also of Eden Bridge Road, who is the chairman of Bush Hill Residents’ Association and registered blind, said speed on the roads was an “extremely pressing problem”.

Mr Kingsnorth, who used to be a design consultant, said: “This whole issue is being talked about by so many different groups. We need to get together to decide on a way forward.”

However, Councillor Terry Neville, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, rejected a 20mph policy.

He said: “A 20mph zone would lead to congestion, more pollution and frustration for motorists, which could be counter-productive and lead to drivers taking more chances and driving faster, which is something we know has been the case elsewhere.”

Cllr Neville pointed out that Enfield has flexible 20mph zones close to schools. He said, according to most recent figures, that it has the lowest number of road casualties in 40 years.