ALMOST two-thirds of Scots agree that twenty’s plenty when it comes to vehicles driving in urban areas, according to a new survey.
A Survation poll of 1,018 people for the Scottish Greens shows that, of those who expressed an opinion, 65 per cent were in favour of a default 20mph urban speed limit.
The poll also shows that, when “don’t knows” are removed, 24.4 per cent would be more likely to get on their bikes if there were a lower limit.
The results have been released today as Green MSP Mark Ruskell launches a consultation on a proposed member’s bill to switch the default urban speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.
He said: “A wide range of interests, from transport and health experts to environmental campaigners, back the idea. And it’s great that we now know that a majority of the Scottish public are behind it.
“We have a great opportunity to make a small change that will have huge benefits for pedestrian safety, especially children and the elderly.
“It’s also good news for public health generally, as lower limits reduce air pollution and, as this poll shows, it will encourage more people to cycle along their streets.”
Stuart Hay, director of Living Streets Scotland, said: “We know that many communities across Scotland are concerned about the speed of vehicles in their streets.
“We also know that if speed is reduced then people of all ages are more likely to walk and cycle to school, to work and for local journeys. Streets with low speed limits become more liveable spaces.”
The move also won the backing of Friends of the Earth, with air pollution campaigner Emilia Hanna describing it as “an important step towards helping Scotland’s children breathe clean air”.
She added: “Driving at 20mph means safer roads, cleaner air and reduced emissions from traffic.
“There are huge air quality and public health gains to be made from 20mph speed limits. Research shows that 20mph limits result in fewer accident rates and lower traffic levels. Crucially, 20mph limits will also tackle a key barrier to cycling, which is fear of fast, dangerous vehicles.”
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