Lib Dem duo urge mph cut

Opposition figures want council to launch widespread review of road safety

Perth and Kinross Council will be urged to launch a widespread review of road safety at what promises to be a highly charged meeting later this month.

Liberal Democrat councillors will propose a motion to introduce 20mph as the default speed limit for many built up areas and communities across the region.

They also want to see the SNP administration agree to a widespread review of road safety measures, traffic calming and speed limits.

Some measures have already been dismissed as too expensive by members of the SNP administration.

Opposition councillors Lewis Simpson and Willie Robertson believe money can and must be found.

Mr Robertson said that arguments relating to lack of funds were transparently ridiculous at a time when “£8 million is to be spent lighting up buildings around Perth”.

Road safety concerns have been heightened in the wake of the death of Coupar Angus toddler Harlow Edwards.

The two-year-old was struck by a car last month, along with big sister Dionne, 17, and six-year-old brother Leon, as she walked just yards from her home.

Her home town has been pushing for major road safety improvements and new traffic calming measures ever since.

Mr Simpson, who will put forward his motion on December 14, said: “I have always supported the introduction of measures to reduce speed in the villages of Perth and Kinross and especially Scone.

“It is definitely time for a blanket 20mph speed limit similar to that recently introduced in areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“According to surveys, residents in these areas generally feel much safer.

“Any request for 20mph zones or traffic calming is met with a raft of objections and budget issues, but SNP claims there is a shortage of cash fails to convince me at a time when millions are to be spent on illuminating Perth buildings.

“I am sure that these safety measures will have widespread support.”

Mr Simpson said he hoped the motion would also give the administration the opportunity to “bring forward a comprehensive raft of proposals to address the issue of road safety”.

Mr Robertson, who will second the motion, said: “The road safety budget has reduced and reduced over the years, yet we have a capital budget of more than £500m, of which £8m is being used to illuminate public buildings.

“Surely the safety of our citizens is a matter of much higher priority.

“Time and again the issue of road safety is raised at community council meetings across Perth and Kinross.

“People want to see these changes made.”

It is definitely time for a blanket 20mph speed limit similar to that recently introduced in areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

LEWIS SIMPSON