SNP councillors call for report on Moray 20mph zones roll out
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TWO Moray councillors have called for a report on the progress of rolling out 20mph zones in Moray.
Councillors Sonya Warren (SNP, Buckie) and Theresa Coull (SNP, Keith-Cullen) put a motion before the most recent full council meeting urging Moray not be left behind in the nationwide roll out of 20mph speed limits.
They also asked that a report on the progress of this in Moray be brought before elected members.
Councillor Warren, who proposed the motion, said: “Speeding within our towns is one of the biggest topics of complaints that I receive as a councillor.
"It is often well debated at community councils with various different areas being raised but primarily in our housing estates, routes to school and our town centres and shopping streets.
“Local people understand how higher speed vehicles mar their communities and inhibits their ability to walk, cycle and play as desired. We need to look at ways of improving safety for our communities and reducing our accident statistics.
“Reductions in road casualties can in turn reduce the load on the NHS. Additional benefits could also see reduced pollution as well as improvements to public health with increased Active travel bringing mobility benefits to children, the elderly as well as people with mobility issues.”
Councillor Coull, who seconded the motion, commented: “I was delighted to second this motion which shows that as councillors we are listening to our communities.
“Speed in towns and villages is a regular issue raised at community council meetings and we need to get a report as to the reason why 30mph limits that have been in place since 1934, and which have no scientific basis, cannot be changed considering vehicles and our communities have changed considerably in 80 years.
“We know that if the speed limit is reduced to 20mph in built up areas there is typically a decline in casualties of at least 20 per cent. We are trying to encourage walking and cycling within all our towns and villages, yet many do not have cycle paths and have to share the road with vehicles. I look forward to seeing the report that has been agreed to in due course.”
The councillors' motion reads: "Council notes that 20 mph zones in built-up areas contribute to reducing noise pollution and CO2 emissions. Council further notes that 20 mph zones significantly reduce the number of casualties on the road.
"Council understands that 20mph speed limits offer a low-cost option for promoting road safety, and such schemes have strong local support. Council notes that 20mph zones have successfully been implemented in Moray, such as in the vicinity of Alves Primary School."
