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Major UK city set to extend 20mph speed limit to almost half of all roads as drivers risk slower streets
Drivers have been warned of more streets becoming 20mph speed limits across a major city, by increasing the number of streets to at least 45 per cent.
Currently, the city has 33 per cent of all streets limited to 20mph, but councillors at Dundee City Council will make a decision next Monday to decide whether more streets should be lowered.
There is roughly £1.5million in funds available for improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
These include road markings and traffic signs, junction improvements and pedestrian crossings across for the next two years.
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Dundee City Council is expected to spend £1.5million on the road changes
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However, drivers have been warned that a large portion of the funds could be used to convert more roads to have a 20mph speed limit.
It comes after reports found strong progress being made by the council towards Scotland’s road safety targets set for 2030 and 2050.
The Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee will meet on Monday, August 19, to weigh if lower speed limits would be in the public’s interest.
Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome statedthat the council is continuing to work with partner organisations to improve road safety and reduce casualty figures across the city.
He said: “The council is absolutely committed to improving road safety in the city and ensuring that as few people are injured as possible.
“This requires a multi-agency approach to improving road layouts, educating road users, and enforcing traffic laws.
“We are in no way complacent, and this report illustrates the measures we continue to take across the city. This ranges from the extension of 20mph zones to introducing more pedestrian crossings.”
Scotland has been turning more streets to 20mph limits over the past year with some councillors hoping to mandate a nationwide speed limit, similar to the one issued in Wales.
Mark Ruskell, Green transport spokesperson stated that lower speeds save lives. “There are people who are alive and well today thanks to Wales’s default 20mph limit,” he detailed.
He remarked: “We need to learn from their experience and replicate its success across Scotland. Fundamentally it’s about safety and making our neighbourhoods more welcoming and accessible for all.
“We have already made really important progress across parts of the country, with lifesaving 20mph defaults becoming more and more common, and it’s crucial that the Scottish Government supports councils to finish the job as soon as possible.”
Councillor Rome stated that the lower speed limit plan aims to reduce the number and “severity” of road accidents.
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Councillors hope Scotland will issue a 20mph speed limit mandate
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Enforcement will be undertaken by Police Scotland to help maintain road safety. The council decision will take place next Monday.
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