Gordon Lindhurst, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for the Lothian region, has today raised questions about the effectiveness and design of blanket 20-mile per hour speed limit schemes, one of which is currently being implemented in Edinburgh and by January 2018 will have been rolled out across 80% of the capital’s streets.
Gordon spoke today during a parliamentary debate, which welcomed the efforts of communities across Scotland who are working to improve road safety. While Gordon welcomed such work, he also raised questions as to whether 20 miles per hour should be the automatic speed limit on all residential and urban streets.
Gordon’s main concern is about the continuing effectiveness of existing 20 mph zones, some of which have been present in areas around schools for a number of years, if much wider schemes are introduced. He also pointed to the potentially damaging effects of 20 mph zones on Scotland’s businesses, economy and environment as a result of increased congestion and pollution.
Speaking during the debate, Gordon said: “All options should of course be considered when it comes to possible actions which may improve road safety. However, a blanket 20 mile per hour policy in Scotland’s urban city areas should not be accepted without question.
Clearly there are areas within residential and urban zones whereby 20 miles per hour is a reasonable speed limit. The desired effects are reached by concentrating both the driver’s attention as well as police resources in areas where there can be significant risk to certain groups of people. A blanket rollout may have the effect of diverting the attention of the driver away from the significance of adopting slower speeds in these areas."
Gordon said afterwards: "It is no secret that the scheme in Edinburgh has cost the taxpayer a significant amount of money, reportedly £2.22 million. That money could have been much better spent in enforcing good driver etiquette and supporting other measures to improve road safety that will have a greater effect on reducing casualty statistics further.
It is clear that we will learn lessons and I will continue to monitor the effects of 20-mile per hour zones as the scheme is rolled out further in Edinburgh, as well as supporting other initiatives as we seek to one day eliminate tragedies on Scotland’s roads altogether."
You can read about Conservative Councillors opposition to the Council's blanket 20mph roll-out in January here.