Revealed: The 1400 Aberdeen streets becoming 20mph zones

More than 1,400 streets across Aberdeen are set to have their speed limit cut from 30mph to 20mph in a radical roads overhaul.

Aberdeen City Council chiefs agreed today to go ahead with a formal public consultation on the planned changes.

Streets which are in “densely populated areas” with “lots of footfall” are being targeted for the change.

What is the reasoning behind the change?

Three years ago, the Scottish Government put forward a plan to ensure all roads in “built-up” areas be reduced to a 20mph speed limit by 2025.

The move is aimed at making streets safer and encouraging more walking and cycling in quieter and less congested neighbourhoods.

One Scottish Government report revealed that pedestrians are seven times more likely to die being hit at 30mph, compared to 20mph.

Aberdeen could see close to 1500 streets change to a 20 zone. Image: Andrew Stewart/DC Thomson

Other places such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands are in line to follow suit with the plans.

Which Aberdeen streets are changing to 20mph?

In total, 1,474 roads could soon be changed from a 30mph limit to a 20mph limit.

Streets within 10om of a school, community centre, church, place of worship, sports facility, or any hospital, GP or health centre would be reduced.

Great Southern Road is one of the major streets in Aberdeen to be affected by the new 20mph speed limit. Image: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson

Guidance was issued from the Scottish Government on which roads fit the 20mph model, but Aberdeen City Council have full jurisdiction over which streets are hit with the new speed limit.

Some busy streets across Aberdeen which fall into those categories include Anderson Drive, Great Northern Road, Great Southern Road, Bon Accord Street and Crown Street.

When will new 20mph streets come into effect in Aberdeen?

The vote by the council today means that the public will be consulted on the scheme before any final decision is made.

Yet, despite the consultation, the council has the final say regardless of any potential objections.

Bon Accord Street is another road which could see its limit changed. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson — Bon Accord Street is another road in Aberdeen which could see its limit changed to 20mph. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Once the consultation is completed, the council will put the 20mph zones into action and a further review on individual streets would decide if the measure would become permanent.

How will this be enforced?

One concern raised by councillors is how these new 20mph zones will be enforced.

Leader of the road safety team Vycki Ritson, said that no “specific local discussions” had taken place between the council and the police regarding how the 20mph limit will be imposed.

Leader of Aberdeen City Council's Road Safety Team Vycki Ritson, answered concerns over the scheme at todays council meeting.Image: Chris Sumner. — Leader of Aberdeen City Council’s Road Safety Team Vycki Ritson, seen here at a past event, answered concerns over the scheme at todays council meeting. Image: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson

The council plans to write to the Scottish Government and police chiefs to seek clarification on how local authorities make sure the 20mph limit is followed.

Was there any pushback on the decision?

The plan was not met without scepticism from councillors at today’s meeting.

Councillor Alex Nicoll expressed concerns that “major feeder roads” were being targeted by the proposal.

He highlighted that streets such as Lang Stracht and Provost Watt Drive, which are on the list, acted as important routes for travelling in and out of the city.

Councillor Alex Nicoll.was doubtful over the rollout of the scheme. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson — Councillor Alex Nicoll was doubtful over the rollout of the 20mph street scheme across Aberdeen. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Ms Ritson responded by saying that the new 20mph streets would be in “densely populated areas” with “lots of footfall”.

She also reiterated that some roads would only become a 20mph in certain sections such as those close to schools or medical buildings.

That could mean longer routes like Anderson Drive would not be affected for their full length.

Has 20mph streets worked elsewhere?

Aberdeen is joining Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands in introducing 20mph zones across its streets.

Wales has seen mixed results with its implementation of a similar scheme.

In January, a blanket 20mph limit was put in place covering all roads in Wales which were previously a 30mph limit.

Yet four months later, local authorities were given the choice to decide which roads would have a 20mph limit following a petition signed by over 500,000 people against them.