Please see the letter below from Mark Ruskell for information and the link below for the summary.
Dear Parent Councils,
On Monday 15th May I launched the consultation for the Proposed Restricted Roads (20mph Limit) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament, and I am writing to ask that your Parent Council considers submitting a response before the closing date on the 7th August.
The bill proposes reducing the default speed limit on built-up roads from 30mph to 20mph, whilst giving local councils the power to retain specific streets as 30mph zones where suitable, e.g. as designated through routes. Whilst most schools across Scotland have already benefited from either permanent or temporary 20mph zones immediately outside the building, the picture beyond the school gates is piecemeal, with some local authorities in Scotland having no permanent 20mph zones at all.
We believe that setting a lower speed limit by default is the best way to address this inequality, and ensure all our communities are safe places to walk, cycle, scoot and play. In particular, we hope that this legislation would allow for the creation of safe walking and cycling routes for many more families in Scotland, giving the protection of a 20mph speed limit right from the front door to the school gates.
I have enclosed an executive summary of the consultation document here, whilst the full document and FAQs can be found at http://www.greens.scot/safterstreets. Responses to the consultation can be submitted via the Scottish Parliament’s Smart Survey site at http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/20mphSpeedLimits/
We hope you are able to submit your thoughts before the deadline on the 7th August and let us know how a 20mph default limit would change your journeys to school. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please do get in touch on the details below.
Yours Sincerely,
Mark Ruskell
MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife
