THE roll-out of a 20mph speed limit on the majority of roads in Glasgow could take place over the next four years.
Residential streets, the city centre, other main shopping areas and roads where there are high levels of walking or cycling are all recommended for inclusion in the scheme.
The move has been proposed to improve road safety and reduce emissions.
It is estimated a citywide 20mph limit with traditional traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, would cost around £25m.
READ MORE: New plea to support 20mph speed limit in Scotland's residential areas ahead of crunch vote
But recently relaxed rules on traffic calming mean the limit could be supported by signs and road markings at a potential cost of £4.35m. Physical measures could still be required in areas where there are specific concerns.
Councillors on an environment committee are set to back the plans on Tuesday and refer it to the city administration committee to be rubber-stamped, subject to funding being available.
The limit would be dependent on the statutory Traffic Regulation Order process but, if approved, could be implemented over a four-year programme.
Andy Waddell, director of operations for the council’s neighbourhoods and sustainability department, said the change would keep Glasgow in step with many other cities across the UK and help to promote active travel.
“First and foremost a citywide 20mph speed limit is about improving road safety,” he said. “It’s well known that lower speeds reduce the risk of accidents but also reduce the severity of any injuries suffered by those involved.
“Safer roads will make walking and cycling a much more attractive option for getting around the city.
“Building a greater reliance on more sustainable forms of transport is vital if we are to achieve our target of Glasgow becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
“Many cities across the country are introducing a widespread 20mph limit and the evidence that’s being gathered shows that the impact on journey times for cars and buses has been minimal.”
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More than 1400km of the city’s 1900km of roads are considered to be in residential areas. All other streets in the city would generally remain at 30mph, although the council says final arrangements would be subject to careful assessment.
Nearly 300km of the city’s streets are already subject to a 20mph limit, which is intended to reduce noise and congestion as well as improve road safety.
The limit was also recommended by the council’s climate emergency working group as part of Glasgow’s effort to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
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