The rollout of 20mph speed limits on Edinburgh’s streets continues, with phase two coming into force one week today on 28 February – and this time it’s us!
Phase one covering the city centre and rural west Edinburgh came into effect at the end of July 2016. The second stage of the citywide scheme consists of two zones, Zone 2 (North) and Zone 3 (South Central/East).
Work to install 20mph signs and road markings advertising the new 20mph limits in these zones is underway in advance of the slower speed limit coming into force from 28 February and the city council is also putting up bus shelter and lamp post adverts and temporary signs at various locations to provide further information about the changes.
The city council has thoughtfully provided this ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ guide:
Top Ten 20mph FAQs
Road safety: Driving more slowly reduces the number and severity of casualties. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph, than if you are hit at 30mph.
Environment: Calmer road speeds contribute to less traffic congestion, better health, less noise, more social interaction and stronger communities.
Active travel: Lower speed limits encourage people of all ages to walk and cycle.
Enforcement: Police Scotland is supportive of improved road safety across the city and is working with the Council to achieve this. Police Scotland recognise speed management is an important element of this and will continue to enforce speed limits across the city road network.
Journey times: Impact on car journey times is expected to be minimal with no significant changes to bus journey times.
Congestion: Research indicates that slower speeds encourage a smoother driving style with less stopping and starting which helps traffic to flow.
Pollution: Studies have so far not conclusively proven either a positive or negative effect on emissions: driving at 20mph causes some emissions to rise slightly and some to fall.
Costs: The overall cost of the project is budgeted at £2.2 million over a three-year period. The Council expects that the majority of funding will be provided from successful bids for external funding or through ring-fenced funding from the Scottish Government. Thorough monitoring will assess the impact of the scheme.
Impact on motorists: Our aim is to balance the needs of drivers with the safety and environment of local residents. 20mph creates a safer environment for everyone including motorists.
Speed humps: The new limit will be introduced without traffic calming.
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