Local primary school children have created their own colourful posters to support the ongoing rollout of slower speeds on roads across Edinburgh. Phase three of the road safety scheme will be rolled out next month.
As work begins to install signs and lines for the next phase of the project, Flora Stevenson’s Primary School P4s have produced 20mph-themed artwork featuring slogans such as “30’s dirty – so don’t do it; 20’s plenty – so do it” and “Go Slow – 20’s plenty” to drive home the message that slower speeds are safer.
Residents from Clermiston to Clovenstone and South Gyle to Silverknowes will start to spot new 20mph signs and lines in their area as preparations get under way to launch Phase 3 of the rollout, due to go live on Wednesday 16 August.
Work has now begun to install new signage across Zone 4 (North West) and Zone 5 (West), with 20mph roundels and signs appearing in streets whose speeds will be coming down from next month.
As with the rest of the rollout, a network of roads in the Phase 3 area will be retained at 30mph and 40mph: these include Calder Road, Maybury Road, Queensferry Road and Lanark Road.
Driving more slowly reduces the number and severity of casualties. A person is seven times more likely to survive if they are hit by a car driving at 20mph, than if they are hit at 30mph.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Edinburgh’s recently-appointed Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These pupils have done a great job creating some really eye-catching artwork urging drivers to watch their speed.
“With children, older people and those with mobility or sensory issues most at risk from excessive speeds, it’s a no-brainer to introduce 20mph in residential and shopping streets across the city, as well as the city centre, as we work towards Vision Zero where everyone is kept safe from the risk of being killed or seriously injured on our roads.
“If you live or work in the Phase 3 area, look out for the new 20mph signs going up in the coming weeks, ahead of the new limit coming into force on 16 August.”
Irene Brennan, who retired at the end of term as Head Teacher of Flora Stevenson’s Primary School after five years at the helm, said: “20mph is a huge benefit to children at Flora Stevenson’s school because we’re on an extremely busy crossroads and if the traffic is slowed down then it gives the children a better opportunity to judge the speed of traffic for crossing.
“Obviously children are more badly hurt if they get hit by a car travelling at 30 than a car travelling at 20 so I think it’s really important in the city that we do slow down and look after the children.”
As well as improving road safety, the publicly-supported 20mph scheme aims to make streets calmer, quieter and more pleasant places to spend time in, boosting a sense of community and helping the environment by encouraging active travel like walking and cycling.
Positive feedback received by the Council from members of the public about the scheme has included:
“[20mph] has made a very noticeable difference – experience of cycling, walking and indeed driving has been much improved. It feels much calmer, safer, and a better environment for all to enjoy.”
“What you’re endeavouring to create is good for the city. I’m sure there is a silent majority who, like myself, approve of this initiative and thoroughly support it.”
“Just to say I’m glad the 20mph limit is in Edinburgh on certain roads. I’d much rather roads were safer and I’m happy to drive at 20.”
“There are many benefits to the speed limit but to me, who lives on a cobbled street, the main benefit has been the reduction in noise levels.”
It’s fair to say that the scheme has not been universally popular, however. The UK’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart says it is unconvinced of the value of the council initiative because the proposals amount to a city-wide limit that doesn’t address ‘specific problematic roads’.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart policy and research director, said: “It’s a blanket approach. On some streets, 20mph is a speed that you might aspire to rather than need to limit yourself to. But there are others where it looks and feels safer to go over 20, and that’s potentially confusing because drivers take their cue from the environment.
“If you look at the evidence, what seems to work is measures like speed bumps and narrower roads. Covering whole areas in one 20mph limit and putting up some signs is a cheap way to do it.
“We’d rather see investment made in dealing with the streets where there will be the most benefit.”
The city council’s Conservative group, who lost out by just one seat to the SNP in May’s council elections, remain unconvinced of the benefits of the scheme and had promised to review it in their election manifesto.
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