Nothing to fear from following Fife route

Sir, – In her recent article Jenny Hjul (Courier, May 2) tells us how she “sees it” in regards to 20mph schemes being rolled out across Scotland via my proposed Members Bill. There are, however, a number of facts that she fails to see.

I have no intention of creating a blanket 20mph speed across Scotland.

Restricted roads – primarily roads where we live, work and play – would become 20mph zones and each council would be able to place 30mph limits on arterial roads where they are deemed appropriate.

20mph is already the norm in Fife and Clackmannanshire where, the last time I looked, the economy had not ground to a halt as a result.

Fife has been rolling out 20mph speed limits for more than a decade with a reported 20.8% reduction in slight road casualties, a 14% reduction in serious casualties and a 100% reduction in fatal casualties.

There is an even higher reduction in child casualties.

It’s a shame that Dundee and Perth and Kinross councils have so far not been able to deliver this kind of progress. The community of Coupar Angus, for example, has long campaigned for 20mph limits after the tragic death of a child in a road accident, with little progress.

My Bill would ensure there is a consistent approach across Scotland, that’s why it is being backed by an overwhelming number of parent councils and community councils across Scotland.

Making sure Scotland’s residential streets are a wee bit more like Fife is nothing for Jenny to fear. Mark Ruskell MSP (Mid-scotland and Fife). Scottish Parliament. Edinburgh.