Plans to turn Edinburgh into Scotland’s first 20mph city have been revealed.
Swathes of the city’s streets are set to adopt the new limit, following a public consultation last autumn, which saw significant backing for the proposals.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of road safety charity Brake, said: “This is an enlightened move by Edinburgh Council. They recognise that 20mph limits can enable people to get around their neighbourhoods, towns and city centres more safely, sustainably and healthily. Plus it’s clear this is what the people of Edinburgh want. With an estimated 13 million people across the UK now living in areas implementing or committed to widespread 20mph limits, we think it’s time for governments in Holyrood and Westminster to adopt 20mph as the default national urban limit, to save councils money and help create safe, active, happy communities nationwide.
Meanwhile, new guidance on implementing 20mph speed restrictions has been published by the Scottish government.
This Good Practice Guide, written in conjunction with the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS), aims to provide clarity on the options available to local authorities. It will aid greater consistency on setting 20mph speed restrictions throughout Scotland while encouraging local authorities to introduce them near schools, in residential areas and in other areas of our towns and cities where there is a significant volume of pedestrian or cyclist activity.
Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport & Islands, said: “The Scottish government is committed to creating a healthier, greener and safer Scotland and believes that the introduction of 20mph restrictions can help to contribute to all these objectives.
“By reducing speed on our roads we can create streets where the space is shared more equally between different road users and create a safer environment, encouraging people to make active travel choices.”
The guide can be viewed here.
