Roads across Glasgow set to have 20mph speed limit

Roads across Glasgow will be set at a 20mph speed limit after plans to improve safety were approved by the city council.

All residential streets, the city centre, main shopping areas and places with high levels of walking or cycling will be subject to the new limit.

Under the policy, agreed on Thursday, all other streets in the city would generally remain at 30mph.

The council have said, however, that final arrangements would be subject to careful assessment.

It follows the implementation of a 20mph speed limit across a network of roads in Edinburgh, which was rolled out between 2016 and 2018.

It is hoped the scheme, which is estimated to cost around £4.35 million, will reduce the risk of accidents, cut noise and congestion, and encourage people to walk and cycle more.

Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “First and foremost, a city-wide 20mph speed limit is about improving road safety.

“It’s well known that lower speeds reduce the risk of accidents but also reduce the severity of any injuries suffered by those involved.

“Our own initial research on the impact of 20mph zones already in place Glasgow is indicating a 31% reduction in incidents, which is hugely positive.”

She added: “Safer roads will make walking and cycling a much more attractive option for getting around the city.

“Building a greater reliance on more sustainable forms of transport is vital if we are to achieve our target of Glasgow becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

“Many cities across the country are introducing a widespread 20mph limit and the evidence that’s being gathered shows that the impact on journey times for cars and buses has been minimal.”

The plans were approved by the council’s City Administration Committee following a recommendation by the local authority’s Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Policy Committee to introduce a 20mph policy.

More than 870 miles of the city’s 1,181 miles of roads are considered to be in residential areas and 179 miles of city streets already have a 20mph limit.

Proposals for a city-wide 20mph limit will be subject to the statutory Traffic Regulation Order process.

If approved, the scheme could be brought in over the next four years if funds are available.