20mph speed limits: long overdue change that would save lives
A default speed limit of 20mph in built-up areas is a long overdue change that would save lives, says the Scottish Greens’ transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP.
Mr Ruskell’s comments come as the Scottish Government has announced a consultation on changing speed limits following an increase in road deaths in 2024. In 2018 Mr Ruskell brought forward a Members Bill to replace the current 30mph default speed limit on restricted roads with a 20mph limit.
The Bute House Agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government included a commitment to expand 20mph in Scotland, with an agreement that “all appropriate roads in built up areas will have a safer speed limit of 20mph by 2025.”
Mr Ruskell said: “Lower speed limits save lives. By rolling out a 20mph default across Scotland we can decrease road deaths and create safer streets and communities.
“We have seen the success that 20mph limits have had in Wales, cutting speeds and reducing road fatalities, and I want to see the same thing happening here in Scotland. I am glad that the Scottish Government is consulting on this, because it is a long overdue change.
“We should all have the right to feel safe, and this is a simple change that would help to transform our neighbourhoods and make people feel more confident when walking, wheeling and cycling.
“There has been important progress in some parts of our country, but we can’t let road safety become a postcode lottery. National limits are the most effective way of saving lives.”