Motorists brace for new 20mph speed limits this summer to reduce congestion and emissions

Motorists across a Scottish region will have to slow down this summer as new 20mph speed limits are introduced in seven neighbourhoods as part of a road safety campaign.

West Dunbartonshire Council explained that the first phase of the scheme will cover Alexandria North, Bellsmyre, Bonhill and Haldane, Bowling and Old Kilpatrick, Linnvale, Milton and Silverton.

The project is being funded by the Scottish Government through its National Strategy for 20mph, which it hopes will soon be present on all residential roads.

Areas were selected for slower speeds to improve safety, while the council also took requests from residents who called for lower limits.

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Plans were approved by the council's Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development committee after a public consultation was held late last year.

Council officials carried out speed surveys and technical assessments before deciding which streets should be included.

Priority was given to roads close to schools, hospitals, care homes, playparks, community centres, residential streets and areas used by vulnerable road users, along with routes where lower speeds could encourage walking and cycling.

The council said collision records, local knowledge and feedback from residents also played a role in the final decision.

The council explained that emergency services and other public bodies were consulted before the plans were signed off.

New road signs and markings will now be installed across the affected areas to make drivers aware of the lower limits.

The council pointed to research from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents showing the dangers of higher speed crashes.

It found that pedestrians hit by cars travelling between 30mph and 40mph are far more likely to be killed than those struck by vehicles moving below 30mph.

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Department for Transport figures suggested a two-mile journey through a 20mph zone takes less than 30 seconds longer than the same route at 30mph, while a five-mile trip would take under a minute longer.

Under council plans, 20mph will become the standard limit on residential streets, while A-roads, B-roads and major routes will mostly keep their current limits.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "Reducing the speed limit on roads is a vital tool in making streets safer, encouraging active travel and reducing congestion, which can also have a positive impact on emissions.

"I am delighted that West Dunbartonshire Council has taken a strategic approach to assessing which streets would benefit from the introduction of a 20mph zone, and I look forward to communities seeing the benefit of this scheme."

Vice Convener Councillor Lawrence O'Neill said the evidence in favour of lower speed limits was clearly favourable among residents.

He said: "The figures are very stark on the difference in safety of both pedestrians and vehicle users when travelling at 20mph compared with 30mph meanwhile the difference in journey times is negligible.

"This is a sensible and proportionate way to improve road safety with added benefits to the environment and people's wellbeing."

The council plans to expand the scheme across West Dunbartonshire in future phases over the next few years.

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