By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-24 15:33:12 | Updated at 2024-11-24 18:00:22
2 hours ago
A major authority in Northern Scotland has launched a public consultation to reduce speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in built-up areas across the islands in a bid to make roads safer.
The initiative by Orkney Islands Council comes as part of a wider Scottish Government strategy to lower speed limits across the country.
Now the council is gathering opinions through an online survey and will host a series of drop-in events before making its final decision.
The move aims to create safer streets and more pleasant neighbourhoods while encouraging walking, cycling and wheeling across Orkney's towns and villages.
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Feedback from the consultation will be presented to councillors who will assess public appetite for the proposed changes before the scheme is officially rolled out.
It follows a move by the Scottish Government which has requested all councils evaluate their road networks to identify areas where 20mph limits could be appropriate.
The initiative is backed by Scottish Government funding available until the end of 2025, which will help councils to lower the speed limits of roads.
Results from an Orkney-wide assessment of existing 30mph zones were previously presented to the Development and Infrastructure Committee in September, laying the groundwork for the public consultation.
Councillor Hayley Green said: "Statistics show if you hit a pedestrian at 30mph, they're seven times more likely to be killed than if you'd been travelling at 20mph.
She noted that this significant safety difference is "a huge driver for Government support for 20mph initiatives".
Meanwhile, councillor Kris Leask called for widespread public participation in the consultation.
He added: "We'd like as many people as possible to let us know what they think, either through the online survey or by coming along to a drop-in session near you.
“It’s important to note this engagement is matched to the scope of the funding, which is targeted at reducing existing 30mph areas to 20mph, to help reduce the severity of accidents particularly involving pedestrians and cyclists including youngsters.”
Map of area where roads could be changed to 20mph
ORKNEY ISLAND COUNCIL
The assessment also considered the density of residential properties and retail premises, requiring more than 20 properties over a continuous stretch.
The review found 48 existing 20mph zones would remain unchanged, while 27 current 30mph zones would also stay as they are.
