Speed limit cut to 20mph across thousands of Inverclyde streets

Speed limits will be cut to 20mph on more than 1,000 streets in Inverclyde in an attempt to improve road safety and “save lives” in the local authority.

Elected members agreed to reduce the existing 30mph limit at 1,021 locations over the next two years at a full council meeting on Thursday.

The move is in line with a national Scottish Government strategy to introduce 20mph zones on appropriate roads in built-up areas.

Labour’s Councillor Jim Clocherty, vice convener of the environment and regeneration committee, said: “The introduction of 20mph speed limits in our towns and villages is not about slowing traffic but about saving lives, which I’m sure everyone will agree is of utmost importance.

“A huge amount of work has gone into analysing roads throughout Inverclyde and identifying locations which would benefit from a speed reduction in consultation with local and national partners.

“We already have 20mph zones in several locations, including in our town and village centres and near schools, and they have proven effective in not just reducing speed and minimising accidents but changing driver behaviour for the better.

“This roll-out of 20mph limits to other areas would be a natural extension of that and a positive step forward in improving road safety across Inverclyde.”

Funding of £478,000 has been made available by Transport Scotland for the initial setup costs.

The proposals were presented to the environment and regeneration committee in June and agreed in principle but also referred to full council for a final decision.

The routes have been developed by council officers in consultation with Transport Scotland, Police Scotland and other partners.

It was agreed A and B roads should remain at 30mph, unless they pass a school or directly through a town centre, to aid movement of traffic on these arterial routes.

Research shows the speed of a vehicle directly influences the risk of a collision as well as the severity of injuries sustained.