20mph Survey for the Falkirk Area
The Scottish Government is developing a National Strategy for 20mph speed limits which supports the delivery of the safe system contained in “Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030”. The Framework promotes the continued growth of active and sustainable travel whilst recognising that the perception of urban and rural roads as unsafe is a barrier against these everyday journeys. The Scottish Government seeks to expand 20mph zones and limits in Scotland.
The Strategy aims to introduce a package of measures which support a range of policies from active and sustainable travel to climate change and will assist to reduce road casualties and the perceptions of road danger in our communities.
Falkirk Council are currently progressing plans to roll out 20mph speed limits to appropriate locations in line with Scottish Government proposals.
Your feedback will help inform future decisions about traffic management and ensure that any measures we implement reflect the needs and experiences of the people who live and work in the Falkirk Council Area.
If you have any question regarding the engagement, please get in touch by emailing contact.centre@falkirk.gov.uk.
Attached here is a link to Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030.
Phases
Survey Results
Please see survey results below.
Phase report
Add some text about the phase
In general, to what extent do you support or oppose a 20mph speed limit in the Falkirk Council area?
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: If a 20mph speed limit was to be introduced to the Falkirk Council area, I may not stick to it.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: 20mph speed limits should be implemented where safety is an issue (e.g outside schools).
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: It is not always clear why 20mph speed limits are in place where they are.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Many respondents support 20mph speed limits in residential areas and around schools, citing increased safety for children, pedestrians, and cyclists. Several mention specific streets or areas where speeding is a problem and where 20mph would be beneficial, especially near schools and “rat runs”.
There is strong opposition to blanket 20mph limits, particularly on main roads and arterial routes, with concerns about increased congestion, longer travel times, and frustration among drivers. Some respondents argue that such limits would be impractical and could even lead to more incidents due to driver frustration.
A few respondents highlight the need for better enforcement and alternative safety measures, such as more crossings for children and those with mobility issues and mention that many drivers already struggle to adhere to current speed limits.
There is reference to previous consultations where a majority reportedly rejected 20mph limits and calls for the benefits, such as reductions in road deaths, to be better communicated.
Overall, the main trend is support for targeted 20mph zones in residential and school areas, but strong resistance to blanket implementation on main roads due to concerns about congestion, practicality, and driver frustration.