20mph urban speed limit bill goes out to views

9th November 2018

Views of the public on the bill to reduce the speed limit on most residential and urban streets in Scotland from 30 to 20mph are being invited by a Holyrood committee.

The Rural Economy & Connectivity Committee has launched its stage 1 inquiry into the Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Green MSP Mark Ruskell. The bill aimes to improving pedestrian and cyclist health and safety, and reducing pollution from vehicle emissions, by making 20mph the default urban speed limit unless another limit is specifically indicated.

Convener Edward Mountain commented: "Our inquiry will explore what impact a 20mph speed limit could have on communities, and whether this speed limit will help to make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

"A number of local authorities across Scotland have already introduced a 20mph speed limit, but we want to find out whether there is support for a rollout across Scotland. We look forward to hearing from a wide range of people, from members of the public to safety campaigners and local authorities."

Questions open to views include:

  • Is reducing the speed limit to 20mph to in 30mph areas the best way of achieving the aims of the bill?
  • How will the 20mph bill affect you?
  • It is proposed that a national awareness campaign is required to introduce a 20mph speed limit. Do you agree with this? And if so – what shape should any campaign take?
  • Should Police Scotland be required to take additional enforcement action, over and above that used to enforce the current 30mph limit, following the introduction of a default 20mph limit on restricted roads?
  • What kind of timescale is needed for the 20mph speed limit to be introduced?
  • Do you have any comments on the impact that the bill might have in relation to sustainable development, or island, rural or remote communities?

Click here to access the call for evidence, and a short online survey. The call for views runs until Monday 28 January 2019.

The expected deadline for completion for the committee’s consideration of the bill at stage 1 is 21 June 2019.