20 mph – Zone 2 rolls out today

Although some key routes still have a speed limit of 30 and 40 mph Edinburgh is on a journey to become a 20mph city with the roll-out of phase two today.

The first phase in the city centre and rural west Edinburgh was put in place on 31 July last year and today the restrictions extend to Zone 2 North and 3 South Central/East. The decision to approve the speed limit was taken by the Transport Committee on 13 January 2015 after public consultation, and it was a key part of the five year Transport Strategy. A pilot area in the south of the city was largely welcomed by residents.

The current administration is keen to ensure that the speed limit is reduced in all shopping and residential areas with the obvious result of reducing any casualties on our city’s streets. The hope is that by making the streets safer people will be encouraged to walk and cycle, and also spend more time in shopping areas thus boosting trade.

Over the last couple of months the council has been putting up large 20mph signs at the entrance and exit of the 20mph areas. The idea is that the signage is minimal to keep costs down. There are no plans to install speed bumps unless absolutely necessary according to the Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds.

There is an interactive map and timetable here.

The rollout of 20mph speed limits across Edinburgh is being carried out in phases as follows:

Zone One
City Centre and Rural West (South Queensferry, Kirkliston, Ratho, Currie and Balerno). Speed limit effective from 31 July 2016

Zone Two

North. Speed limit applies from 28 February 2017

Zone Three

South Central/East. Speed limit applies from 28 February 2017

Zone Four

North West. Speed limit applies from 31 July 2017

Zone Five

West. Speed limit applies from 31 July 2017

Zone Six

South. Speed limit applies from 31 January 2018