Bid for 20MPH zones in Partick streets
A PROPOSAL to bring mandatory 20mph zones to streets in the West End of Glasgow has been welcomed by residents and businesses in the area.
Glasgow City Council has put a proposal forward to install the road signs on 42 streets in the Partick area.
The longest stretches where the new limit could be imposed include Partickhill Road, Peel Street, Fortrose Street and Beith Street, between Hayburn Street and Meadow Road.
John Gilbertson, of the Partick Community Council, said: “It is a common-sense approach to keep more people safe.
“These 20mph zones are being installed throughout the city and it’s encouraging to see the measures being brought in to this area.
“It’s being put in place to bring more safety to the area and that can only be a good thing.”
David Belcher, 57, who lives in Havelock Street, said: “I can’t see this being anything but a great thing for the area.
“There is a need to notify drivers of a slower speed limit on some of the streets in Partick.
“Some drivers do drive too fast on some of the roads around here.
“It’s quite surprising how cars can reach such speeds on short, built up roads.
“The proposal is a good one but I would like to see the council think about where they position the signs.
“The area is already quite cluttered by a l ot of street furniture. It’s absolutely necessary these signs are able to be clearly seen.”
Victoria Cameron, 40, who lives on Lawrie Street and the manager of Cafezique, said: “There are so many children in this area due to the amount of families living here and I think bringing in a slower speed limit would improve safety.
“When it’s a 30mph road you do see cars driving a bit faster than that.
“So if the speed limit was set to 20mph, I think it would lower the average speeds travelled on the roads.
“I can’t think of a reason why anyone would be against this.
“Although on some streets you see cars driving very slowly because they’re trying to find a parking space.”
Kenny Maclean, the SNP councillor for Partick East and Kelvindale, said: “I welcome this proposal to have a safe speed limit in Partick.
“Partick is very much a residential, high density area and it is important to make sure that it is a liveable area where kids can play safely. Put simply a slower speed limit to ensure safety would help bring about an enhanced quality of life to the area.”
Residents have until Wednesday, July 26 to lodge an objection.
A council spokeswoman said: “The council remains committed to reducing the speed limit to 20mph on all roads where possible and continues to extend mandatory 20mph zones right across the city, especially in residential areas and near schools.
“Glasgow has implemented 77 20mph zones over the last few years and thanks to the new guidance issued by the Scottish Government, we can implement mandatory 20mph zones without the need for costly and traditional traffic calming measures, except where required.
“We are now at the stage where residents can influence the proposals by making their views known. The consultation period runs until July 26.”