Glasgow’s set to expand 20mph speed limit road network

Glasgow is set to expand its 20mph speed limit zones, aiming to enhance road safety and promote active travel.

With 340km of streets, including the city centre, already adhering to this limit, the city is pushing for quieter, less congested neighbourhoods.

Following a thorough analysis of 5,740 streets, the proposal suggests:

• Reducing the speed limit on 3,868 streets from 30mph to 20mph.

• Maintaining the 20mph limit on 1,400 streets.

• Keeping the 30mph limit on 472 streets.

In 2020, Glasgow approved a policy to standardise a 20mph speed limit across residential areas, the city centre, main shopping zones, and other areas with high foot traffic. Most other streets would remain at 30mph.

This initiative is a cornerstone of the council's Road Safety Plan and aligns with Glasgow's Transport Strategy, which aims to boost road safety, active travel, and the creation of people-friendly public spaces. It also supports transport decarbonisation efforts.

The project is funded by capital investments and a grant from Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure fund supported by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans.

Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate and Transport, said: "A citywide 20mph speed limit will bring Glasgow in line with many other UK cities and help to create safer streets and communities for all of us, reducing the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries sustained.

"Reducing the impact of traffic on communities will also contribute to the wider shift needed towards more sustainable forms of transport, which is vital if we are to achieve our target of Glasgow becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

"We know that many other cities have a 20mph speed limit and the evidence that's been gathered shows a minimal impact on the journey times for cars and buses. Reduced speed limits on local roads can help create a safer environment for children and other vulnerable road users, while encouraging more people to walk, wheel and cycle.

"Moving to 20mph is a technically complex undertaking and the council has been working with national partners to identify the best mechanisms to take this work forward. Now that the roads assessment is complete, the necessary legal, technical and logistical work required to implement the new 20mph speed limit can start.

"We will also be engaging with stakeholders and will continue to raise awareness of the mandatory speed limit to encourage drivers to lower speeds in line with the new limit."