A Scottish Green MSP has called on Renfrewshire Council to accelerate the introduction of 20mph speed limits across the area, arguing that the measures are needed to improve road safety and reduce serious injuries.
Cara McKee, MSP for the West of Scotland, said Renfrewshire has fallen behind in delivering lower speed limits after the Scottish Government committed in 2022 to work with councils to introduce 20mph limits on appropriate roads by the end of 2025.
The comments come after a new report by the Scottish Greens found that only five councils across Scotland have completed their 20mph rollouts, while most remain at various stages of implementation.
According to the report, one council has yet to undertake any work on introducing 20mph limits, while another consulted on the plans before deciding not to proceed.
The rollout of lower speed limits has been a long-standing policy priority for the Scottish Greens. In 2018, Green MSP Mark Ruskell introduced a Members’ Bill seeking to make 20mph the default speed limit in residential areas across Scotland.
The party points to evidence from Wales, where a default 20mph speed limit was introduced in September 2023. Data published by the Welsh Government showed around 100 fewer people were killed or seriously injured on 20mph and 30mph roads during the first year of the scheme.
Photo: Cara McKee MSP says Renfrewshire Council should accelerate the rollout of 20mph speed limits to improve road safety and reduce serious injuries on local roads
Photo Credit: Scottish Greens
Ms McKee said: “Our Parliament has been clear that safer streets, lower speeds and fewer casualties must be a priority.
“By cutting speed we can save lives and reduce serious injuries. If someone is hit by a car at 30mph, they are far more likely to die than if someone is hit by a car at 20mph.
“Road safety must not be a postcode lottery. People living, visiting or working in Renfrewshire deserve safer streets.”
She added: “The experience of Wales shows that 20mph limits can reduce speeds, cut collisions and protect vulnerable road users. Every community in Scotland deserves those benefits.
“The Scottish Government must also play its part by providing the national oversight, public awareness campaign and funding needed to support councils to complete the roll-out. This is about saving lives. Councils should not delay any longer.”
Renfrewshire Council has previously introduced 20mph limits in a number of areas, although work to expand the programme across the wider road network remains ongoing.