Big update over 'nationwide expansion' of new UK speed limit

The Scottish Government has been told to learn from Wales as it introduces nationwide 20mph speed limits. The Scottish Greens have called on Scotland to make changes after data from Wales shows that 100 fewer people were killed or seriously injured on roads after the reduced limit.

The news has been hailed by Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who has called for Scotland to learn from the experience. As a result of budget negotiations, the Scottish Greens have secured funding to support a nationwide expansion of 20mph limits across local authorities this year.

Mr Ruskell has been championing this move since 2018, when he first brought a Members Bill to introduce a 20mph limit in Scotland. Following an increase in road deaths, the Scottish Government has begun consultations on changing speed limits nationally.

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Mr Ruskell said: “We know that lower speed limits save lives, and these figures only add to the overwhelming case for change. These are not just numbers on a page, they are real people and real families who have been spared the grief and pain of losing a loved one.

“We all benefit from safer streets and communities. All road users should be able to travel safely, and it isn’t too much to ask drivers to keep themselves and others safe. It is a long overdue change that is badly needed here in Scotland, particularly at a time when road deaths are increasing.

“Scotland needs to learn from the rollout and the success in Wales and make our roads safer for all. I’m delighted that the Scottish Budget will have enough funding to allow councils to introduce 20mph speed limits more widely in the next year across Scotland, it can’t come a moment too soon.”

Default speed limits of 20mph are saving lives in Wales, with data showing that around 100 fewer people were killed or seriously hurt on 20mph and 30mph roads in the year since the rollout of the default 20mph speed limit.