The speed limit on almost 4,000 Glasgow streets is set to be lowered to 20mph.
The proposed change, which follow an in-depth analysis of the city’s road network, support the national strategy for 20mph, which will see the rollout of this lower speed limit in built up areas across Scotland.
With 340km of streets including Glasgow city centre already assigned a 20mph limit, Glasgow Council says a wider lowering of vehicle speeds is expected to make roads safer and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling in quieter and less congested neighbourhoods.
Following analysis of national guidelines of 5,740 streets with a 20mph or 30mph speed limit, it is proposed that:
- 3,868 streets currently assigned a 30mph speed limit should be reduced to 20mph.
- 1,400 streets currently assigned a 20mph speed limit should all remain at 20mph.
- 472 streets currently assigned a 30mph speed limit should remain at 30mph.
In 2020, Glasgow 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.
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.”
Comment on this story