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COUNCIL CONSULTS ON SLOWER CITY

Submitted by Editor on

The whole of Broughton could be covered by a 20mph zone under plans mooted by City of Edinburgh Council. 

Bellevue already has such a speed limit, but the new proposals could extend westwards right across the New Town and eastwards to Pilrig Street and beyond. Major thoroughfares like Leith Walk, Queen Street, Broughton Street, Broughton and Bonnington Roads would also be included.

A map showing how the speed limits might be applied across the city is available here.

Spurtle has extolled the virtues of 20mph speed limits in Edinburgh since at least April 1994 (Issue 3). Slower, steadily moving traffic is quieter and cleaner, makes it easier for pedestrians to cross roads safely, and reduces the damage caused when vehicles hit human flesh and bone. It should therefore come as no surprise to learn that we welcome this latest suggestion.

However, the new speed restrictions will only be effective if the majority of road users respect them, and if the authorities have sufficient resources to monitor and enforce them.

Perhaps the only practical way to ensure those conditions are met would be through a massive increase in the number of speed cameras or some other intrusive technology. That would probably give rise to opportunistic whingeing from the tabloid press and complaints of tax by stealth from slow-to-adapt and quick-to-complain motorists. Would local politicians stick to their guns under the inevitable onslaught?

Your comments should arrive at CEC by 17 October. For more information and contact details, visit here.

Spurtle is also interested to hear what you think about the scheme's potential application in Broughton. You can let us know by email: spurtle@hotmail.co.uk  Twitter: @theSpurtle  Facebook: Broughton Spurtle

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'20mph streets are NOT cleaner': see Letters (2.9.14).