20mph speed limits: Fife nears completion, but MSP wants other councils to speed up
The rollout of more 20mph speed limits across Fife will make communities safer, a leading MSP has said.
Mark Ruskell said the move will save lives and cut injuries.
The Scottish Green politician welcomed the progress made across the Kingdom in recent months - but said only five local authorities had completed its rollout programme with most still at different stages of implementation. One council has yet to undertake any work, while another has consulted and decided against doing so. Fife is one of seven councils nearing completion of roll out.
The speed cut came on the back of a 2022 Scottish Government commitment to working with councils to lower speeds by the end of 2025.
Mr Ruskell, who first brought a Members Bill to introduce a default 20mph speed limit in residential areas in Scotland, said: “Our Parliament has been clear that safer streets, lower speeds and fewer casualties must be a priority.
“By cutting speed we can save lives and reduce serious injuries. If someone is hit by a car at 30mph, they are far more likely to die than someone else hit by a car at 20mph.
“Road safety must not be a postcode lottery. People living, visiting or working in Fife deserve safer streets, and communities will be seeing the positive impact already. But we need to see progress all across the region.
He added: “The experience of Wales, shows that 20mph limits can reduce speeds, cut collisions and protect vulnerable road users. Every community in Scotland deserves those benefits. “The Scottish Government must also play its part by providing the national oversight, public awareness campaign and funding needed to support councils to complete the roll-out. This is about saving lives. Councils should not delay any longer.”