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Motor vehicle drivers

Falkirk Council Introduces 20mph Speed Limits in 16 Settlements and Upgrades Road Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Airth, a village in Falkirk, Scotland, was the first location to pilot a 20mph speed limit in April last year as part of an 18-month trial, which has shown promising results, reducing average vehicle speeds from 26.1mph to 23.1mph. Building on this success, 20mph speed limits have been introduced in 16 additional settlements, with more permanent traffic-calming features set to be installed in October. Meanwhile, a major junction upgrade at Snab Brae in Bo'ness has been completed, enhancing road safety and enabling active travel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 20mph speed limit pilot in Airth has successfully reduced average vehicle speeds from 26.1mph to 23.1mph.
  • The Phase 1 rollout of 20mph speed limits has introduced the measures in 16 additional settlements, with a total cost of £91,000, with £82,000 funded by Transport Scotland.
  • The £800,000 junction upgrade at Snab Brae in Bo'ness includes permanent traffic signals, a shared footway and cycleway, new pedestrian and cyclist crossings, and drainage improvements.
  • Transport Scotland contributed £250,000 to the Snab Brae scheme through the Road Safety Improvement Fund in 2024/25, with the remaining balance met by Falkirk Council.
  • Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop has pledged to work with partners to achieve the Scottish Government's goal of making Scotland's roads the safest in the world by 2030.
  • Reducing speeds saves lives, as you are seven times more likely to survive if struck by a car at 20mph compared to 30mph.

Statistics:

  • Average vehicle speeds in Airth have reduced from 26.1mph to 23.1mph following the 20mph speed limit pilot.
  • The 20mph speed limit pilot has been rolled out in 16 additional settlements.
  • The total cost of the Phase 1 rollout of 20mph speed limits is £91,000.
  • £82,000 of the £91,000 was funded by Transport Scotland.
  • The £800,000 junction upgrade at Snab Brae in Bo'ness was funded by Falkirk Council, with £250,000 contributed by Transport Scotland through the Road Safety Improvement Fund in 2024/25.
  • The Scottish Government aims to make Scotland's roads the safest in the world by 2030.

Sources:

  • Byline: Jill Buchanan Officials
  • Source 1: Falkirk Council (no date)
  • Source 2: Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop (no date)
  • Source 3: Transport Scotland (no date)
  • Source 4: Road Safety Improvement Fund (2024/25)

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