Public yet to be convinced by 20mph speed limits – leader comment.

20mph limits have already been introduced in some parts of the country
Picture: Greg Macvean

If 20mph is to become the standard city speed limit, the public will have to be convinced it is the right thing to do or the law will simply be flouted.

The setting of a speed limit is, to a large extent, about finding the right balance between safety and the smooth flow of traffic.

If safety is taken to a ridiculous degree – for example, by reinstating the Locomotive Acts of the 1860s, which imposed speed limits of 4mph in the countryside (2mph in cities) and required someone to walk in front of vehicles with a red flag – then the fatal accident rate could probably be reduced to zero.

However, most reasonable people accept that life cannot be entirely risk-free and motor vehicles should be able to travel considerably faster than walking pace. Otherwise, what’s the point?

By Scotsman Leader.

Full story at Scotsman.