The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
MSP says brakes must be put on 20mph plans
Scottish Greens plan to raise issue of road safety during a Holyrood debate
An MSP for the Tayside region has hit out at proposals to lower the speed limit in residential areas from 30mph to 20mph.
North East MSP Alex Johnstone was speaking ahead of a Holyrood road safety debate, during which the Scottish Greens plan to raise the issue.
Dundee City Council, which already has two 20mph streets, is currently collating the results of a consultation on whether to roll out the speed limit to other areas.
Mr Johnstone said: “There is no question that in certain environments, like near schools, 20mph is entirely appropriate.
“But the blanket roll-out of this has to stop. It will slow Scotland down and have no impact on road safety.
“If anything, it will make those zones where slow speed is required less unique – and that could have a negative impact on road safety.”
Transport chiefs from all local authorities backed a default 20mph limit at a conference in Edinburgh.
Dundee City Council has not confirmed which way its representatives voted.
A spokesman said: “Currently there are two streets with a 20mph limit in Dundee, Lothian Crescent and Harestane Road.
“Approval has been given for two further areas with a 20mph limit. These will be implemented when the developments are completed at Mill o’ Mains and Western Villages.
“A city wide consultation on the possible introduction of 20mph speed limit zones in residential areas of Dundee ended recently.
“Responses to that consultation are being collated and analysed and a detailed report will be brought to the city development committee later in the year.”
Transport Scotland has backed the 20mph plans and believes the safety of vulnerable road users is a top priority.
A spokesman added: “We believe decisions on urban speed limits are best taken at local authority level so there are no current plans to lower 30mph limit to 20mph on a national basis.”