Councils must step up 20mph promise
Councils across Scotland must do more to deliver 20mph speed limits to make our streets safer, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, with some dragging far behind where they need to be.
A new report by Mark’s office has found that only five councils have completed their 20mph roll-out, with most local authorities still at different stages of implementation.
One council has yet to undertake work, while Angus Council has consulted and decided against a full roll-out.
Mark has been championing this move since 2018, when he first brought a Members Bill to introduce a 20mph limit in Scotland.
Data shows that around 100 fewer people were killed or seriously hurt on 20mph and 30mph roads in Wales in the first year since the Welsh Government rolled out the default 20mph speed limit.
The Scottish Government’s 20mph implementation guidance for Councils was introduced after a commitment in the 2022 Programme for Government, with the intention that they would change appropriate default speed limits to 20mph by the end of 2025.
Mark Ruskell said:
“Parliament has been clear. Safer streets, lower speeds and fewer casualties must be a priority. Councils need to follow through and deliver, but the original deadline was last year, and some are still far behind.
“The evidence is overwhelming. A person hit by a car at 30mph is far more likely to die than someone hit at 20mph. Lower speeds save lives, reduce serious injuries and make our communities safer and more pleasant places to live.
“There has been good progress in some areas, but the roll-out across Scotland has been far too slow and too inconsistent. It should not be a postcode lottery whether children, pedestrians, cyclists and local communities benefit from safer streets.
“Councils have had guidance, they have had direction from Parliament, and they have seen the evidence from places that have already acted. Now they need to get on with the job."
Mark added:
“The experience of places like Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, as well as other devolved nations such as Wales, shows that 20mph limits can reduce speeds, cut collisions and protect vulnerable road users. Every community in Scotland deserves those benefits.
“The Scottish Government must also play its part by providing the national oversight, public awareness campaign and funding needed to support councils to complete the roll-out.
“This is about saving lives. Councils should not delay any longer.”