PLANS for a new 20mph speed limit in residential areas moved a step closer this week after MSPs agreed to vote on introducing the restrictions nationwide. The move comes after a campaign by the Sunday Herald calling for a new lower speed limit.
A consultation on the plan attracted responses from 2,200 individual and groups, with eight out of every 10 supporting default 20mph limits.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who is behind the bill to introduce the move, praised the Sunday Herald campaign, which he said had convinced 18 other parliamentarians to back him – thus forcing the vote. Holyrood is expected to debate and vote on Ruskell's plan in 2018.
Ruskell said: “It’s great to see cross-party support coming in for creating cleaner, healthier and safer streets for everyone in Scotland. It’s encouraging to have signatures from MSPs from all over Scotland, many of them known for campaigning on road safety issues. Huge thanks to the Sunday Herald for giving this issue the prominence it deserves.
“The consultation on my proposed bill had over 2,200 responses and 80 per cent support. I look forward to other MSPs signing up for improved road safety ahead of December 19 deadline for signatures.”
The Scottish Government's transport agency said ministers had an "open mind" about Ruskell's bill. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Given the varied nature of Scotland's urban road network and the number of factors which need considered when setting appropriate limits, our position remains that decisions on 20mph speed limits are best taken at local authority level.
"The Transport Minister has met Mark Ruskell MSP regarding his plans to bring forward legislative proposals on 20 mph speed limits and has said the Government will continue to keep an open mind and looks forward to seeing the detail of any legislative proposals which are put to parliament."
Ruskell's bill is backed by the five other Green MSPs, as well as by former SNP transport minister Stewart Stevenson. Other SNP MSPs backers are Clare Adamson, Emma Harper, Graeme Dey, Gillian Martin, Angus MacDonald, David Torrance, Gail Ross, Ash Denham and Kate Forbes.
The Labour MSPs supporting the law change are Neil Findlay, Claudia Beamish and David Stewart.
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