20mph speed limit consultation

Wednesday August 30th 2017

Midlothian Council Fairfield House Main

Midlothian Council has agreed its response on proposals to reduce speed limits in built up areas across Scotland.

The ‘Proposed Restricted Roads (20mph Limit) (Scotland)’ Bill would see the default speed limits in built-up areas changed from 30mph to 20mph – it is argued that such a move would cut accidents and save lives.

While councils could keep some streets at a higher limit, in consultation with communities, this would be the exception rather than the rule.

Although broadly supportive of the proposed bill, councillors agreed (29 August) that more information is required about how the change would be implemented, stressing that any costs incurred by such a change are covered by the Scottish Government.

In recent times councils, including City of Edinburgh, have introduced blanket 20mph areas that also include main roads. However other Councils such as Manchester City Council have recently halted the roll out blanket 20mph zones as the desired changes e.g. a reduction in accidents has not been evidenced.

Councillor John Hackett, Cabinet Member for Commercial Operations, said:

“We have heard lots of debates for and against reducing the speed limit to 20pmh in built up areas and I am pleased we have agreed a response, on something which would have a big impact on communities across the county, which reflects this.

“I also feel it is important, with traffic in Midlothian set to go up by 25% over the next five years, that we consider and have our say on issues which could potentially improve road safety in Midlothian in the future.”

Those wishing to make individual contributions to the consultation on the ‘Proposed Restricted Roads (20mph Limit) (Scotland)’ Bill can do so at, http://www.parliament.scot/gettinginvolved/104723.aspx.

The consultation closing date is 5 September 2017 (Extended from 7 August 2017).

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