4,000 city streets set for a safer 20mph speed limit
Published: 1 May 2024
The proposed changes, which follow an in-depth analysis of the city's road network, supports the National Strategy for 20mph which will see the rollout of this safer speed limit in built up areas across Scotland.
With 340km of streets including Glasgow city centre already assigned a 20mph limit, a wider lowering of vehicle speeds is expected to make our roads safer and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling in quieter and less congested neighbourhoods.
Following an analysis to 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.
The move to a reduced 20mph speed limit is a key element of the council's Road Safety Plan. It also ties in with Glasgow's Transport Strategy which supports road safety and active travel, as well as creating people-friendly public spaces and transport decarbonisation.
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."
Next Steps
The implementation of new 20mph speed limits in Glasgow is expected to be phased in on a zonal basis - each requiring the promotion of a Speed Limit Order. This follows a statutory process and generally takes between 12 and 18 months to complete.
The extent of the zone areas and a delivery timetable will be finalised following completion of the technical design work. This will look at signage requirements and any additional speed restriction measures that might be necessary.
Once the new speed limits are implemented, there will be a period of monitoring to determine effectiveness.
Further Updates
An update report on the citywide 20mph speed limitroll-out was presented to our Environment and Liveable Neighbourhoods Committee on 30 April 2024.
An interactive mapping tool which highlights the proposed speed limits across the city is also available by clicking on this weblink.
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- Citywide Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit
- Road Safety
- Liveable Neighbourhoods
- Glasgow Transport Strategy
- Active Travel
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