Speed limit on 4,000 Glasgow streets set to be lowered to 20mph

The speed limit on almost 4,000 Glasgow streets is set to be lowered to 20mph.

The proposed changes follow the National Strategy for 20mph which will see the rollout of this speed limit in built-up areas across Scotland.

With 340km of streets including Glasgow city centre already assigned a 20mph limit, Glasgow City Council believes the wider lowering of vehicle speeds will make roads safer and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling in quieter and less congested neighbourhoods.

In 2020, Glasgow City Council approved a policy that would see a mandatory 20mph speed limit become the standard for all residential streets, the city centre, other main shopping areas or where there are high levels of walking, wheeling or cycling. Other streets in the city would generally remain at 30mph.

Alongside capital funding, the delivery of 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.

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.

"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.

"Moving to 20mph is a technically complex undertaking and the council has been working with national partners to identify the best mechanisms to take this work forward.

"Now that the roads assessment is complete, the necessary legal, technical and logistical work required to implement the new 20mph speed limit can start.

"We will also be engaging with stakeholders and will continue to raise awareness of the mandatory speed limit to encourage drivers to lower speeds in line with the new limit."

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans said: "Sustrans is delighted to support Glasgow City Council and communities across the city with making this positive change.

"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.

"60% of Glasgow residents surveyed for the 2023 Walking and Cycling Index said they would find more streets with 20mph speed limits useful to walk or wheel more.

"Taking this step will help create safer, fairer streets which give everyone more freedom and choice in how they make their journeys."

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