Rise in pedestrians killed on urban roads shows need for safer streets legislation
Figures showing a rise in the number of pedestrians killed on urban roads underline the need for action on safer streets, according to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, whose member's bill aims to lower urban speed limits from 30 to 20mph.
In 2017 there were 26 pedestrians killed on built-up roads in Scotland, up from 23 in 2016.
There was also a 12 per cent increase in serious injuries to cyclists on built-up roads - an 18 per cent increase on the 04-08 average.
Overall, the figures show a total of 9,391 road casualties in 2017 - 14 per cent fewer than in 2016.
Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“While the general trend is good, it’s a real concern that on roads in urban areas pedestrian deaths are up and serious injuries to cyclists are up. Progress is being made but if we really aspire to preventing deaths and injuries on our streets, we need to shift the driving culture further.
"20mph limits are popular with the public, have been shown to reduce casualties and improve public health by making people feel confident about walking and cycling in town and city centres. I look forward to my bill being scrutinised by parliament in the months ahead.”
Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2017