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Scotland must learn from 20mph rollout in Wales, say Greens

By Mark Mansfield
20mph road signs in Brynawel. Photo Ben Birchall/PA Wire

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.

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'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.”

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9 comments

Brychan

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.

Reply
Peter

"As needed" defined how? What triggers a review? When enough people have died?

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Brychan

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.

Reply
Ceri

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.

Reply
Why vote

Ban all vehicles close all the roads 100% safe no accidents no injuries no deaths. Simple

Reply
Les Cargot

Had a ticket, have we?

Reply
Why vote

Nope! Try again if you want.

Reply
Ceri

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

Reply
J Jones

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!

Reply

Leave a reply

Replying to Ceri Cancel

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

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