Skip to main content

IAM RoadSmart ‘unconvinced about value of Edinburgh 20mph scheme’

IAM RoadSmart says it is unconvinced of value of the decision by City of Edinburgh Council to impose a 20mph speed limit on the vast majority of the capital’s streets as of 31 July. The multi-million pound scheme is the first of its kind in Scotland and will affect more than 80 per cent of the city’s roads. IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s independent road safety charity stated that the proposals amounted to a city-wide limit that didn’t address specific problematic roads. Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart policy a
July 29, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
IAM RoadSmart says it is unconvinced of value of the decision by City of Edinburgh Council to impose a 20mph speed limit on the vast majority of the capital’s streets as of 31 July.

The multi-million pound scheme is the first of its kind in Scotland and will affect more than 80 per cent of the city’s roads.

IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s independent road safety charity stated that the proposals amounted to a city-wide limit that didn’t address specific problematic roads.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart policy and research director, said: “It’s a blanket approach. On some streets, 20mph is a speed that you might aspire to rather than need to limit yourself to. But there are others where it looks and feels safer to go over 20, and that’s potentially confusing because drivers take their cue from the environment.

“If you look at the evidence, what seems to work is measures like speed bumps and narrower roads. Covering whole areas in one 20mph limit and putting up some signs is a cheap way to do it. We’d rather see investment made in dealing with the streets where there will be the most benefit.”

Related Content

  • Thoughts from Dan’s friends at Econolite
    September 18, 2012
    “Dan was an engineer who could dream, design and then sell. He loved to sell, and it came from a love to share. I'm sure that's what he's doing right now – selling and sharing. We loved his free spirit…you never knew what he was going to do or say next…he kept you on the edge of your seat. Dan had several careers throughout his life and he took the best from each one, using that to make his next career step even better. But at the end of the day, he was an engineer who loved to sell and share.” – Econo
  • Smart parking technologies: solving drivers parking pain
    March 30, 2017
    Smarter parking can benefit city authorities and other road users as well as drivers looking for a space, argues Dr Graham Cookson. As witnessed by the recent announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show, the automotive industry continues to focus on the driving experience; moving from speed and handling towards safety and efficiency.
  • Study highlights levels of car dependency
    December 15, 2014
    New research by the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) has revealed Peterborough, Colchester and Milton Keynes as the hardest places in England to live if you don't have access to a car. Meanwhile, London, Manchester and Liverpool have emerged as the easiest. The new research compares how different towns and cities measure up in areas including public transport provision, facilities for cycling and walking, and land use planning policies that support sustainable transport. Stephen Joseph, chief execu
  • ITS UK Awards 2024: and the winners are...
    November 11, 2024

    ITS UK revealed the winners of its prestigious annual Awards at its 18th President’s Dinner last week.

    Organisation president and former UK transport minister Steve Norris presented the trophies across 16 categories.

    "Many congratulations to all the winners of the ITS UK Annual Awards," said Max Sugarman, chief executive of ITS UK.