Government looking at 20mph rollout across Scotland

November 10, 2018 8:57 am

The Scottish Government is to consider whether speed limits in built up areas should be reduced across the country from 30mph to 20mph.

They have designated the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee who will invite views from the public and other interested parties as to whether they would support such a move.

The Restricted Roads(20mph Speed Limit )(Scotland) Bill was introduced to Holyrood by the Member in Charge Mark Russell MSP in September of this year. The committee will consider the bill before completing stage 1 of the bill on 21 June 2019.

The committee is seeking views until 28 January 2019 and you can have your say here.

In Edinburgh there is already a 20 mph speed limit in place and the final phase came into effect on 5 March 2018. All residential streets, shopping streets and the city centre are subject to the reduced speed limit with some arterial routes maintained at 30 or even 40mph. This has been introduced in Edinburgh since the first decision in January 2015.

Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee said: “Our inquiry will explore what impact a 20 mile per hour speed limit could have on communities, and whether this speed limit will help to make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

“A number of local authorities across Scotland have already introduced a 20 mile per hour speed limit, but we want to find out whether there is support for a roll-out across Scotland. We look forward to hearing from a wide range of people, from members of the public to safety campaigners and local authorities.”

Some of the questions the Committee will be asking include:

Is reducing the speed limit to 20mph in 30mph areas the best way of achieving the aims of the Bill?
How will the 20mph Bill affect you?
It is proposed that a national awareness campaign is required to introduce a 20mph speed limit. Do you agree with this? And if so, what shape should any campaign take?
Should Police Scotland be required to take additional enforcement action, over and above that used to enforce the current 30mph limit, following the introduction of a default 20mph limit on restricted roads?
What kind of timescale is needed for the 20mph speed limit to be introduced?
Do you have any comments on the impact that the Bill might have in relation to sustainable development, or island, rural or remote communities?