Airth 20mph Speed Limit
We are conducting this survey to gather public feedback on the 20mph speed limit that was introduced in Airth during 2024.
This is part of our ongoing effort to assess the impact of the reduced speed limit on road safety and overall community wellbeing.
By collecting input from residents, drivers, and local businesses, we aim to understand how the change has affected daily life.
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 Airth.
If you have any question regarding the engagement please get in touch by emailing contact.centre@falkirk.gov.uk.
Phases
Survey Results
Please see survey results below.
Phase report
Add some text about the phase
1. Do you live in Airth?
2. Has the introduction of the 20mph speed limit resulted in you cycling or walking for short journeys where you would have previously driven or been a passenger?
3. Do you feel safer as a pedestrian or cyclist since the 20mph speed limit was introduced?
4. Do you feel safer when crossing the road since the 20mph speed limit was introduced?
5. If you are a driver, has the 20mph speed limit resulted in you driving less for short journeys e.g. less than 1 mile?
6. Do you think the 20mph speed limit has had a positive impact on the community atmosphere in Airth?
7. Are there any streets that are currently 20mph that you would like to revert back to 30mph?
Please list the streets that you would like to revert back to 30mph.
55 of the 151 respondents who said yes to Question 7 "Are there any streets that are currently 20mph that you would like to revert back to 30mph?" They then answered the following question to "Please list the streets you would like reverted back to 30mph."
The majority of responses said they would like the main road through Airth, called Main Street or A905. Several also mention wanting all streets reverted, not just the main road.
A common theme is that respondents feel the 20mph limit is excessive, especially on the main road, and that it causes frustration, traffic backlogs, and even increased vehicle emissions due to cars running inefficiently at lower speeds. Several suggest that 20mph is appropriate only in residential areas or near the school, but not for the main road through the village.
8. Are you a business owner? If yes, has the 20mph speed limit had any impact on your business?
How has the 20mph speed limit impacted your business?
9. Do you have any additional comments or concerns regarding the 20mph speed limit?
Many respondents expressed concerns that the 20mph speed limit is widely ignored, especially by private cars, vans, and tractors, with several noting that night-time and evening speeding is particularly common. There is a recurring view that simply changing the speed limit is ineffective unless accompanied by additional traffic calming infrastructure, such as road narrowing, speed bumps, or priority/give way measures.
Some respondents believe the 20mph limit should be expanded, particularly around schools and residential areas, citing safety concerns and previous accidents. Others question the necessity of the limit, arguing that existing traffic calming measures are sufficient or that the limit causes delays and driver frustration, sometimes leading to dangerous overtaking.
There is scepticism about the effectiveness of the limit, with several suggesting that those inclined to speed will do so regardless of the posted limit. Safety concerns are highlighted, especially following recent accidents attributed to speeding and careless driving. One respondent asked about accident rates under the previous 30mph limit.
Overall, the most common themes are widespread non-compliance with the 20mph limit, calls for more effective physical traffic calming, and concerns about safety—particularly for pedestrians and children near schools and residential areas.