CALLS for a blanket 20 mile-per-hour speed limit across the entire borough comes in the same week new figures reveal the number of people being injured on Haringey's roads have risen higher than any area of London.

While road accidents in London are decreasing, casualities in Haringey have increased by 186 — 25 per cent on last year's figures, according to the Greater London Authority.

Since 2007, causalities involving cyclists have doubled and road accidents involving children have also increased by 50 per cent.

Fatalities on the road have risen from four, in 2007, to six in 2009.

In April this year, a 16-year-old schoolgirl was left fighting for her life after being hit by a car in Alexandra Park Road, fuelling Liberal Democrat councillor's first call for more action on road safety.

Haringey's Lib Dem opposition councillors have now launched a campaign to further pressure council bosses into backing a borough-wide 20mph zone in residential roads, and pressure council after Labour councillors dismissed the idea at a council meeting on Monday.

Crouch End ward councillor Lyn Weber, Lib Dem environmental services spokesman said: "Over the past year there has been a worrying increase in accidents in Haringey involving children and cyclists.

"It was very disappointing that the Labour group sought to stifle debate and duck any decision that would commit the council to improving the safety of Haringey’s roads. But we will not stop there, we will continue to campaign on this vital issue and I hope residents will sign the petition."

The Lib Dems have argued a borough-wide speed limit was more effective, could be implemented quicker and was cheaper than rolling out 20mph zones.

Research shows that only three per cent of pedestrians hit at 20mph will be killed compared with 20 per cent and 90 per cent, if hit at 30mph or 40mph, respectively.

Councillor Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said the council had invested more than £5million towards its transport works plan which includes road maintenance, cycling projects, school travel plans, 20mph zones, and local safety schemes.

She said: "The increase in casualties is a cause for concern, and we are already looking very closely at the data so that we can fully understand the reasons and put in place more safety initiatives where they are needed.

"The council has numerous steps to improve road safety, particularly around schools, and this will continue to be a priority."

Cllr Canver added that despite the sharp rise in 2009, the council was still on target for accident reduction, in accordance with targets set by the London Mayor.