TOWNS and cities across Scotland are being urged to bring in a widespread 20mph speed limit after the capital became the first north of the Border to back the move.

The new limit being introduced by Edinburgh City Council will cover more than 80 per cent of streets, including the whole of the city centre, when it comes into effect next year.

Glasgow City Council has already said it is rolling out more new 20mph zones after Edinburgh followed the example of Portsmouth which was the first in the UK to have mostly 20mph limits.

Edinburgh councillors will reveal details on how the 20mph network is introduced across the city in March.

The move will see the majority of the city's residential streets and those in shopping areas become 20mph zones over three years.

The council said 20mph speed limits encourage more considerate driving and lead to safer streets for all road users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Six cyclists have been killed in road accidents in the city over the last five years, twice as many as Glasgow.

Cycling and environmental campaigners welcomed the move but some warned more needs to be done to tackle air pollution and encourage active transport.

Transport convener Lesley Hinds recently said: "Edinburgh is taking a very bold step in introducing slower speeds for so much of its roads and we're aware that other cities in Scotland are watching our example keenly."

Edinburgh Greens transport spokesman Nigel Bagshaw said the move was a positive first step but wider implementation is needed.

He said: "There are still some outstanding streets we would have liked to have seen included. But we feel it is a really good start for road safety and making life easier for pedestrians and cyclists."

Stuart Hay, head of campaign charity Living Streets Scotland which supports pedestrians rights, said the city had set a benchmark for others.

He said: "Edinburgh's 20mph limit policy sets a positive example for cities across Scotland and the UK.

"Lower speeds on shopping and residential streets means a safer and more pleasant city for everyone with higher levels of walking and lower levels of accidents.

"Living Streets looks forward to working with the council to promote the scheme and its benefits as it is rolled out."

Sustrans Scotland, which co-ordinates and promotes the country's cycle network also urged other councils to adopt a new limit, adding: "Sustrans wants to see increasing numbers of people choosing to travel actively on an everyday basis, whether on foot or by bike, and we think that reducing traffic speeds is a key way to helping achieve this."

Friends of the Earth Scotland's air pollution campaigner Emilia Hanna said: "One of the biggest barriers to walking and cycling is fear of speeding traffic, so 20mph zones, if accompanied by greater investment in active travel infrastructure, could transform how people move around the city."

Figures released by the charity at the weekend showed that some streets in Edinburgh are still breaking Scottish and European standards for clean air.

It said 20mph zones can lead to traffic flowing more smoothly, cutting down on the acceleration and braking which causes emissions.

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said the council "is to be congratulated for this forward-thinking move and we'd encourage other city councils to follow their lead".

The council said the most extensive consultation last autumn found 60% of respondents backed the plan.

Limits of 30mph and 40mph will be maintained on key arteries.