Scotland must learn from 20mph rollout in Wales, say Greens
Scotland must learn from the success of the nationwide 20mph scheme in Wales, the Scottish Greens have said.
MSP Mark Ruskell has been calling for Scotland to make a similar move since 2018, when he brought forward a member’s Bill on the issue.
The Welsh Government has said the first year of the lower speed limit has seen 100 fewer people killed and seriously injured on the roads.
The Scottish Government has committed to implementing 20mph speed limits on roads “where it is appropriate to do so” by the end of 2025.
‘Overwhelming case’
Mr Ruskell said: “We know that lower speed limits save lives, and these figures only add to the overwhelming case for change.
“These are not just numbers on a page, they are real people and real families who have been spared the grief and pain of losing a loved one.
“We all benefit from safer streets and communities. All road users should be able to travel safely, and it isn’t too much to ask drivers to keep themselves and others safe.
“Scotland needs to learn from the rollout and the success in Wales and make our roads safer for all.
“I’m delighted that the Scottish Budget will have enough funding to allow councils to introduce 20mph speed limits more widely in the next year across Scotland, it can’t come a moment too soon.”
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Lesson – Dictats from on high don’t work. It costs as much to reverse the mistakes as it does to force it through in the first place. Better to just define options and standards and allow local authorities to apply it as needed. Nairn is not the same as Edinburgh in the same way as Llandudno is not the same as Cardiff.
“As needed” defined how? What triggers a review? When enough people have died?
The 20 standard prior to the imposition defined stuff like approaches to zebra crossings, around schools, urban retail and traffic calm areas. You just add an additional a definition of housing density and lines of sight. It’s a formula that already exists for stuff like pelican crossings. It would have saved imposing a 20 on main throughfares or industrial estates only to have it now rebound to 30.
Dictats- honestly, don’t be daft. It was a national policy, drafted into law. The policy is fine, and anything like this can be adjusted in individual cases. Total lack of perspective from so many opponents of 20mph.
Ban all vehicles close all the roads 100% safe no accidents no injuries no deaths. Simple
Had a ticket, have we?
Nope! Try again if you want.
No speed limits, no road laws, abolish MOTs. Everyone for themselves. Or recognise that there are always going to be limits; that where they are placed is a matter of debate and consideration, and stop the hyberbolic nonsense
This article appeared this morning, alongside another outlining massive reversals that are now required, costing millions on top of the tens of millions for what is being corrected.
Obviously there is much to be learned!