20mph speed limit to block the rat runs

A compulsory speed limit of 20mph could be introduced on a number of Rutherglen and Cambuslang roads.

Officers at South Lanarkshire Council say they are looking at areas in the region that could benefit from a lower speed limit.

The local authority is in the process of introducing the reduced limit in areas next to the Cathkin Relief Road, including Fernhill, Blairbeth and High Burnside.

Last week the Reformer reported that residents in quiet streets felt drivers were using their roads as rat runs to avoid Mill Street and the new junction at Blairbeth Road.

Head of roads and transportation services, Gordon Mackay said: “We are progressing the introduction of a mandatory 20mph speed limit on a number of roads in the Fernhill area and the area to the south and west of Blairbeth Road and Burnside Road.

“We are always looking to improve road safety across South Lanarkshire and, subject to resources and where appropriate, this can include the introduction of mandatory 20mph limits.

“At this stage we are considering where else to introduce such limits in South Lanarkshire, subject to funding being available.”

Councils now have the power to enforce a 20mph limit rather than just the advisory ‘20’s plenty’ scheme.

Rutherglen South councillor Robert Brown said he is in favour of making more roads 20mph but said some residential streets may need to remain at 30mph.

He said: “A lot depends on the street. You have streets like Mill Street that will continue as a 30mph and on ordinary residential streets I support a 20mph limit quite strongly.

“Then you have in-between roads like Greystone Avenue and Rodger Drive which act as feeder roads but are also quite suburban.

“There is work to be done to come up with a solution for them.

“There is a problem with speed on many roads and a 20mph limit could contribute to helping slow cars down.

“It is about giving the streets back to the people and making them safer. That’s what this is all about.”