Move to cut speed limit
A BILL to cut the speed limit to 20mph in built-up areas has been launched.
In Glasgow last year, there were 1070 road accidents – seven leading to a death and 143 of them bringing serious injury.
A BILL to cut the speed limit to 20mph in built-up areas has been launched.
The plan would see the legal limit reduced from 30mph in residential areas – making it an offence to drive at this speed.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell has published the Bill with strong backing from MSPs at Holyrood, which should see it become law.
The Greens say it will make streets safer for pedestrians, reduce accidents and also cut pollution.
In Glasgow last year there were 1070 road accidents – seven leading to a death and 143 of them bringing serious injury.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, has said a lower speed limit would improve community life and make streets safer.
The Greens’ plan would allow councils to designate 30mph zones if communities wanted them but the default would be a 20mph limit.
Currently, councils have to go through an application process to set up a 20mph zone.
Mr Ruskell said: “I have seen first-hand the frustration of communities that want lower speed limits but find the current process overly complicated.
“By making 20mph the norm in built-up areas we can end this frustration and provide the clarity that residents and motorists deserve.
“It’s clear that a lower limit will mean safer streets and I’m delighted that my bill enjoys widespread public support, the backing of safety groups, health experts, local authority chiefs and campaigners.
“I look forward to it being examined by parliament in the months ahead.”
A 20mph limit is backed by the British Heart Foundation, the British Lung Foundation and the road safety charity, Brake.
International groups also back a lower speed limit. The World Health Organisation, the Global Network for Road Safety Legislators and the International Road Assessment Programme support lowering the speed limit in urban areas.
GLASGOW’S night-time economy makes an extremely valuable contribution to the vitality of our city. It’s part of the fabric of life for Glaswegians and is such a core part of promoting Glasgow as a truly European city to tourists.
From traditional areas like the city centre and West End, to the Merchant City, Finnieston and new developments in the East End and South Side, it’s a sector that really adds to Glasgow’s vibrancy.
As leader of Glasgow, a city with a problematic relationship with alcohol, it is of course incumbent on me to recognise wider responsibilities.
We all must continue to talk about striking the necessary balance between protecting individuals and communities from alcohol misuse and supporting an intrinsic part of the city’s life and culture.
But, where it meets the high standards we all expect, I will provide the night-time economy with the backing it requires to flourish.
As Evening Times readers will know, the city’s licensing board is currently consulting on its new policy – the key local blueprint the sector will operate within for the next five years.
It is due for publication in November. If you haven’t already made a submission you have until October 5 – and I would urge you to do so.
The board has gathered evidence over the past year and the new statement will seek to promote commercial interests, vibrancy and our tourism offer, while at the same time seeking to ensure the public is protected, as far as possible, from the potential for alcoholrelated harm.
I must stress though that the licensing board is independent from the council. This is the board’s policy and not the city government’s. But, for the well-being of the sector, and our citizens, it is crucial Glasgow gets this right. A number of new proposals have been put forward and there’s much to commend, including recognising the need for licence-holders to consider the safety of, not only customers, but also staff – particularly those operating into the early hours.
It proposes rewarding and encouraging excellent practice by increasing the number of applications for extended hours granted to premises who hit the high bar.
The new policy will also seek greater recognition of the city’s status as a Unesco City of Music by taking on board new legislation protecting venues.
But there’s no doubt the idea attracting most attention is the proposed pilot project to allow certain late-night city centre premises to remain open until 4am subject, of course, to strict social responsibility criteria and a proven track record of responsible operation.
Given the board’s independence, I do not want to be seen as potentially prejudging the consultation’s outcome. But it is right that there is a conversation.
Glasgow is not yet at the stage of becoming a 24-hour city, as many of our European neighbours are.
But there is much we can learn from other cities about how to manage the impact of later licensing hours on a range of connected services – from policing to public transport to late-night food sales.
And we should also learn too about how we can provide and promote more night-life activities where alcohol isn’t the central factor.
For many, Glasgow is synonymous with a great night out. Whether that involves having a few drinks or not, our aim should be for all those nights out to be safe and happy ones and for Glasgow’s nighttime culture to continue to thrive.
The Glasgow Licensing Board has a solid track record in being led by the responses to its consultations. So please, speak up.
The board will want to hear from you.
‘‘ For the well-being of the sector and our citizens it is crucial Glasgow gets this right