We all know at least one person who likes it fast, and in many cases, we are that person. Whether it is to make up lost time, social pressure from passengers, or just simply because you are seeking a thrill or two, speedsters are not uncommon on the road. That is why a new national speed limit has been approved, and it will be hitting drivers much sooner than expected. While the news may be to the dismay of many, the limit is not about control, but also much more, as it could save several lives.
A limit could save lives and more
Speed limits are lifesaving, as they decrease accident severity. They reduce stopping distances and impact forces, which as a result lowers injury or death risks. What’s more, they provide vital information by indicating the essential dangers of a certain road and thus reinforcing safe driving speed needs, as per a report by DRIVE Driving School.
Road safety inevitably improves because drivers will have more reaction time and thus effectively protect other vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. The speed limits also allow greater traffic flow manageability. In Scotland, citizens will be hit with a new national speed limit much sooner than expected. The new speed limit forms part of a greater strategy of the Scottish Government.
Two major areas are dedicating themselves to the new national speed limit
Drivers in Aberdeenshire can expect a new permanent 20mph speed limit in the communities’ built-up areas. The Aberdeenshire Council confirmed that the 30 mph speed limit on several routes has been replaced by the new speed limit since Monday, 22 September. Cllr Alan Turner, the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee Chair, had this to say:
“We are committed to making Aberdeenshire’s streets safer while also encouraging more sustainable travel options benefitting public health and the north-east environment. The statistical analysis clearly demonstrates that a reduction in speed on those roads where people live, work and play makes those streets safer for all road users.”
Glasgow, which recently had to say goodbye to several nearby Bank of Scotland branches, will also be saying hello to the new national speed limit. These new speed limits in these regions support the National Strategy for 20 mph, with the main goal of implementing safer speed limits across built-up areas in Scotland by the end of 2025.
Understanding the figures behind the new speed limit
According to the Aberdeenshire Council, the reduced speed limit of 20 mph will contribute to making the north-east’s roads safer for all road users. Evidence has indicated that a pedestrian involved in a road traffic impact is seven times more likely to die than at 20 mph. The speed limit will also have the following as a result:
- Improved road safety perceptions
- Increased encouragement to walk, wheel and cycle more
- Improved health, road safety, and an active travel promotion
- More pleasant areas to live in
The new limit will align Glasgow with other towns and cities adopting similar measures, lowering both the risk of accidents and injury severity. Scotland is not the only one that will be seeing new driving laws, as the Road Safety and Fairness Act will be implementing this new driving law for older residents in this US state.
More areas are being targeted to implement the new national speed limit, especially where the speed limits are regularly broken and the risk of injury to other road users is high. The Police of Scotland will be responsible for the enforcement of these new limits. Transport Scotland will be covering the associated expenses of implementing the speed limit across Scotland. For more information on the new national speed limit, please visit the official Transport Scotland website.
