Second phase of 20mph zone begins in Edinburgh

The second phase of the £2.2m 20mph speed limit project in Edinburgh has come into effect.

It covers the north of the city. Zone one, covering the city centre, came into force on 1 August 2016. It is being introduced over six phases.

Motorists face £100 fines and three penalty points if they are caught over the 20mph limit.

The roll-out will be complete by 2018. It is designed to improve safety and encourage people to walk or cycle.

The second zone is from Granton to Portobello and Duddingston to Morningside.

Lesley Hinds, City of Edinburgh Council's transport and environment convener, said: "We're bringing in 20mph limits for city centre, residential and shopping streets in Edinburgh after in-depth public consultation showed support for slower speeds in the capital.

"While understandably it's taken a bit of time for everyone to get used to the new limits, public opinion is still clearly very much in favour, as evidenced by the recent poll in a local newspaper showing more than two thirds of respondents backing 20mph.

"The 30mph default limit in the UK dates all the way back to the 1930s, when there were far fewer vehicles on our roads."

Excessive speeds

Ch Insp Mark Rennie, of Police Scotland, said: "Casualty reduction on our roads remains a priority in Edinburgh and we continue to work alongside our relevant partners to promote safe and responsible driving practises, including adhering to speed limits.

"Since the launch of 20mph speed zones in the capital, officers have monitored these roads and taken appropriate action whenever motorists were observed travelling at excessive speeds.

"In particular, we have focussed our attention on the areas around schools and this will continue as more 20mph zones are rolled out across the city.

"Whenever we are alerted to areas where the speed limit is not being observed, we will respond accordingly with the appropriate resources."

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: "We encourage all local authorities in Scotland to introduce 20mph zones or limits in residential areas and areas of towns and cities with a high volume of pedestrians and cyclists where appropriate, as can be seen in Edinburgh and in line with the Scottish government's 2015 Good Practice Guide on 20mph Speed Restrictions."