THERE are two truths about roads in our cities, towns and villages: vehicles need to be able to move around so that we can live our lives and vulnerable road users need to be able to use the roads with an expectation that they will not be killed or seriously hurt in the event of a road traffic accident.
Since 1935 we have had laws to limit vehicle speeds in town to 30mph to reduce the potential harm drivers might cause to other road users. The choice of the 30mph speed limit was arbitrary, being the slowest it was felt drivers would be happy travelling at.
Unfortunately, a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian at 30mph will almost inevitably lead to serious injury or death to the pedestrian. 30mph is too fast. This is recognised at central and local government levels and 20mph limits and zones are being installed, particularly in residential areas.
Unfortunately, installation of 20mph speed limits under the present legislative regime is slow and it will take decades to take our residential roads down from a 30mph-limit using the existing planning process. I see no reason why a child born today might have to dodge fast traffic while he or she grows to adulthood. I thus warmly welcome the 20mph bill proposed by MSP Mark Ruskell to make speed limits within our built-up areas 20mph except on major through routes.
This bill should be supported by the public before the December 19 deadline. 20mph will still allow vehicles to move freely around our cities and, while not a panacea, it will help reduce harm to vulnerable road users.
Bob Downie,
66 Mansewood Road,
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