Speed limit on almost 4,000 city streets to be cut to 20mph

Almost 4,000 streets across Glasgow are set to have the speed limit lowered from 30mph to 20mph.

The proposed changes follow an in-depth analysis of 5,740 streets on the city’s road network and would see speeds reduced on 3,868 in total.

It has been proposed:
• 3,868 streets currently assigned a 30mph speed limit should be reduced to 20mph.
• 1,400 streets currently assigned a 20mph speed limit should remain at 20mph.
• 472 streets currently assigned a 30mph speed limit should remain at 30mph.

The proposed changes will support Scotland’s National Strategy for 20mph, which aims to make roads safer and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling in quieter and less congested neighbourhoods.

Around 340km of streets have already been assigned a 20mph limit.

Glasgow City Council leaders agreed a policy in 2020 to make 20mph limits the standard for all residential streets, the city centre, other main shopping areas or where there are high levels of walking, wheeling or cycling.

Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for climate and transport, said: “A citywide 20mph speed limit will bring Glasgow in line with many other UK cities and help to create safer streets and communities for all of us, reducing the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries sustained.

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“Reducing the impact of traffic on communities will also contribute to the wider shift needed towards more sustainable forms of transport which is vital if we are to achieve our target of Glasgow becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

“We know that many other cities have a 20mph speed limit and the evidence that’s been gathered shows a minimal impact on the journey times for cars and buses.

“Reduced speed limits on local roads can help create a safer environment for children and other vulnerable road users, while encouraging more people to walk, wheel and cycle.”

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The implementation of new 20mph speed limits is expected to be phased in by zones, with each requiring the promotion of a speed limit order. These generally take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Once implemented, the local authority said there will be a period of monitoring to “determine effectiveness”.

Mr Millar said moving to 20mph was “technically complex”, but the council was working with national partners across Scotland to identify the best ways to take it forward.

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Alongside capital funding, the scheme is being supported by a grant from Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans.

Karen McGregor, Scotland director at Sustrans, said: “Time and time again, the evidence has shown that lowering speed limits in our built-up areas creates neighbourhoods that are safer for everyone – and that this makes the biggest positive difference for our most vulnerable people such as children, older people and those living with disability.”

It comes as the Welsh government announced last week that speed limits of 20mph on residential roads could start going back up to 30mph by the end of this year, after the default limit in built-up areas was lowered in September last year to 20mph, causing outrage in some quarters.

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