Edinburgh is set to reduce speed limits on all urban 40mph roads to 30mph during spring and summer 2025 as part of a major road safety initiative.
The changes were approved by the city’s Transport and Environment Committee, marking a significant shift in Edinburgh’s approach to road safety.
The move comes as part of a broader package of speed reduction measures, which will also see over 60 additional streets added to the city’s 20mph network.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said it was important to manage vehicle speeds to ensure communities can travel safely.
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Speed limit changes will affect Edinburgh’s entire urban 40mph road network
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The initiative follows Edinburgh’s record improvements in road maintenance, with the city investing £12.5million in road infrastructure for 2024/25.
The speed limit changes will affect Edinburgh’s entire urban 40mph road network, transforming these routes into 30mph zones.
Rural areas have received special consideration in the planning process, with Jenkinson noting that “blanket national speed limit restrictions often do not recognise the nuances of roads in these areas.”
The council has conducted thorough consultations with Police Scotland, who have given their support to the new measures.
West Lothian Council has also been consulted regarding roads that border their local authority area.
The changes form part of Edinburgh’s wider strategy to create an environment supporting sustainable travel choices for all residents.
“The evidence on traffic calming and reducing speeds is clear in terms of reducing collisions, deaths, and serious injuries,” Jenkinson added.
The council has already seen success with previous road improvement schemes, investing £11million in 2023/24 and increasing to £12.5million in 2024/25.
Recent surveys show Edinburgh achieved its largest single-year improvement in road conditions, with the Road Condition Indicator improving by 4.5 per cent compared to 2023.
“We’re committed to fixing our roads and pavements and making them as safe as possible for all road users,” Jenkinson stated.
Data from Edinburgh’s previous speed reduction initiatives shows significant safety improvements across the city. Since the implementation of the original 20mph network in March 2018, the city recorded a reduction of over 30 per cent in both collisions and casualties.
“Every collision avoided is a positive achievement,” noted Jenkinson.The council emphasises there is “an undeniable link between the speed at which incidents and collisions take place and the likelihood of injury or death.”
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Edinburgh moves to introduce lower speeds across urban areas
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The council emphasises these changes will contribute to Edinburgh’s wider climate goals and obligations. “We’ll continue to do everything within our power to make Edinburgh as safe, sustainable and accessible a city as we can,” Jenkinson concluded.
