Edinburgh's 20-mph speed limit is saving lives – Angus Robertson

Now we know for sure: Edinburgh’s streets have become considerably safer since the introduction of 20 mph speed limits.
The introduction of 20-mph speed limits has helped to significantly reduce the number of traffic accidents, researchers found (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)The introduction of 20-mph speed limits has helped to significantly reduce the number of traffic accidents, researchers found (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)
The introduction of 20-mph speed limits has helped to significantly reduce the number of traffic accidents, researchers found (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

According to new academic research, the number of road crashes has decreased by a third since the limit was introduced in 2016.

Researchers at the universities of St Andrews, Edinburgh, East Anglia and Cambridge investigated the effect of the policy on a city-wide scale and found that the 20mph policy changed the trend of crashes from “slow decreasing” to “fast decreasing”.

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When the 20mph policy was introduced in 2016, Edinburgh had a monthly average of 95 crashes per month which had fallen to 64 by 2018.

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Crashes cut by one third after 20mph limit introduced in Edinburgh

Of course, not all of the speed restrictions are adhered to or even regularly policed. Anyone walking along the likes of Regent Terrace will notice every second or third car driving considerably over the speed limit. No wonder local residents would like to see greater enforcement.

Nevertheless, the 20mph policy has been a great success in general. Parents can have greater confidence to let their kids walk to school, play outside and cycle. Every life saved or injury avoided should be celebrated.

Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey said: “I strongly welcome the research findings showing our policy of a 20mph rollout in Edinburgh has resulted in significantly fewer accidents. One death on our roads is one too many and we are driving forward further policies to make our streets safer for those walking, wheeling and cycling around the Capital.”

That is good news for everyone in Edinburgh.

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