Drivers in a major UK city have been warned that at least 4,000 streets will have 20mph speed limits as councils look to create “safer” roads.
The changes will see more roads change from 30mph to 20mph around Glasgow city centre to help encourage more walking amnd cycling in the area.
The council revealed that 3,868 streets currently assigned a 30mph speed limit could now be reduced to 20mph.
There are currently 1,400 streets in Glasgow with 20mph speed limits with 472 streets set to keep the assigned 30mph limit.
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Almost 4,000 roads in Glasgow will be affected by the changes
GETTYThe lower speed limits follow a policy implemented by the Council in 2020 which would see a mandatory 20mph speed limit become the standard for all residential streets, the city centre and other main shopping areas.
Other streets in the city were expected to remain at the standard speed limit of 30mph.
Councillor Angus Millar, 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.”
Millar continued, saying the reduced speed will have a “minimal impact” on the journey times for cars and buses.
He detailed how moving to 20mph is a “technically complex undertaking” that the council has been working on for some time.
Karen McGregor, Scotland director at walking and cyclist charity Sustrans, added that time and time again, the evidence has shown that lowering speed limits in built-up areas creates “neighbourhoods that are safer for everyone”.
A recent survey found that 60 per cent of Glasgow residents would find more streets with 20mph speed limits useful to walk or wheel more, McGregor explained.
The roll out of more 20mph speed limits in Glasgow is expected to be phased in on a “zonal basis” with each requiring the promotion of a Speed Limit Order.
The total process is estimated to take between 12 and 18 months to complete and have in place.
However, Glaswegians have had mixed views on the changed speed limits, bringing their criticism to social media.
Taking to Facebook, one user claimed: “They did this in Wales and it didn’t work.”
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Areas of Glasgow which will become 20mph
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Rules were introduced in Wales in September to mandate that all residential roads abide by the 20mph speed limit, although a recent U-turn from the Government has brought the policy under threat.
New Transport Minister Ken Skates said Welsh residents should have their voice heard in the consultation process taking place over the coming months.
