New speed limit coming to 'hundreds' of UK roads with drivers warned

A local authority has confirmed plans to turn hundreds of roads into 20mph zones with drivers urged to respond. Orkney Islands Council in Northern Scotland has launched a public consultation to reduce speed limits from 30mph to 20mph.

The move would be made in built-up areas across the islands in a bid to make roads safer. Councillor Hayley Green said: "Statistics show if you hit a pedestrian at 30mph, they're seven times more likely to be killed than if you'd been travelling at 20mph.

She noted that this significant safety difference is "a huge driver for Government support for 20mph initiatives". Councillor Kris Leask added: "We'd like as many people as possible to let us know what they think, either through the online survey or by coming along to a drop-in session near you.

READ MORE: Drivers born in these years told their licences will expire

READ MORE: Manoeuvre done by drivers every day could be banned within weeks

READ MORE UK faces 1 inch snow per hour this week with three parts of England worst-hit

“It’s important to note this engagement is matched to the scope of the funding, which is targeted at reducing existing 30mph areas to 20mph, to help reduce the severity of accidents particularly involving pedestrians and cyclists including youngsters.”

Leask explained: “What we are looking at is to gauge the level of support in the community for that small reduction in speed from 30mph to 20mph in our towns and villages, while there is funding to facilitate it.

“We’re also not tied to an ‘all or nothing’ blanket approach for Orkney– so if there is widespread support in one area or specific road and not another, this will be fed back to Councillors on the Committee to consider case by case.”

Feedback from the 20mph engagement events and survey will be reported back to Councillors at a future committee to consider whether to progress with the project and commence the statutory consultation process. The Council is also running a series of drop-ins around Mainland Orkney over the next few weeks – similar sessions will take place in the isles early next year.