Item 11 - Review of 20mph Street TRO Objections
West Dunbartonshire Council · 20 May 2026
Back to Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee — 20 May 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Unmarked WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer Roads and Neighbourhood Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development on 20 May 2026 Subject: Review of 20mph Street TRO Objections 1. Purpose 1.1 To seek approval to proceed with Traffic Regulation Orders to support reduction of speed limits on the road’s details in Appendix 1. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: a) Notes the contents of this report; b) Approves the making and confirmation of the enclosed Traffic Regulation Orders; and c) Delegate to the Chief Officer the implementation of the Orders in accordance with the associated statutory procedures. 3. Background 3.1 The Council 20mph Strategy was presented and approved by the Committee on 21 May 2025. This strategy introduced mandatory 20mph speed limits on residential streets within the authority. 3.2 As part of the development of the Strategy 26 individual 20mph zones were created across the authority based on priority and physical boundaries such as major roads, railways, natural barriers, and changes in area character. 3.3 Scottish Government funding was received in August 2025 to support the roll out of mandatory 20mph limits across the country as part of their national commitment to extend 20mph speed limits to appropriate roads in built-up areas by the end of 2025 to improve road safety and to help encourage alternative modes of travel. 3.4 In line with the funding provided, the Roads and Transportation Team promoted new traffic regulation orders for the first 7 zones and undertook the upgrade of road markings within these areas. The service also carried out pre-implementation speed surveys on 10% of the streets included and purchased the associated signage. ITEM 11
Page 2
Unmarked 3.5 A statutory consultation on the proposed reduction to the speed limit was carried out between 21st November 2025 and 22nd December 2025 in compliance with regulations. Key stakeholders were contacted directly via email and a Public Notice placed in the Clydebank Post and through the Councils social media platforms. Details of the Orders are provided in Appendix 1 and the Statement of Reasons provided in Appendix 2. 3.6 This process provided details of the proposed new Orders, a Statement of Reason, and details where any objections or representations should be sent. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In November 2025, we formally consulted Police Scotland’s Traffic Management team to request their view on the Council’s pending rollout of the 20mph speed limit Order. In December 2025, Police Scotland acknowledged our proposal, and a meeting took place regarding signage which they were happy with our approach however no formal response was provided by Police Scotland. 4.2 The approach by Police Scotland is that enforcement measures are only carried out where speed limits being exceeded are observed, with additional patrols carried out where there is a perceived increased or known risk. However, the use of signs to restrict and lower speed limits has been found to be effective, with behavioural shifts evidenced in Edinburgh despite no additional patrols or traffic calming measures. 4.3 During the statutory consultation period, 20 representations were received of which 3 confirmed support for the proposals, 2 were objections against the proposals and 15 did not confirm either way 4.4 In accordance with the ‘Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, where objections to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order are duly made and not withdrawn, the local authority is required to consider those objections before deciding whether to make the Order 4.5 Objector 1 - stated that the reduction of the speed limit on Round Riding Road was unnecessary, as they did not consider it to be a residential street. The objector also expressed concern that the introduction of 20 mph limits had not been made clear in elected members’ election manifestos and objected in principle to the wider introduction of 20 mph speed limits 4.6 Officers advised that Round Riding Road is an unclassified residential road with residential frontage and direct vehicular access along its length. The road also functions as an access route serving a further seven residential streets, a care home, and a primary school. On this basis, the road meets the criteria for inclusion within a residential 20 mph speed limit.
Page 3
Unmarked 4.7 Officers further clarified that the introduction of 20 mph limits forms part of national Scottish Government policy and guidance, which recommends lower speed limits on residential streets to improve road safety, rather than being linked to individual election manifestos. 4.8 Objector 2 - considers the proposed 20 mph speed limit to be unnecessary and impractical for the area. They believe it will increase journey times, cause congestion, and negatively impact residents’ daily routines. The objector states that the existing 30 mph limit is appropriate given the width, condition and visibility of the roads, low pedestrian activity, and an apparent long-term absence of collision history. They also raised concerns that modern vehicle safety systems reduce the need for lower speed limits and argue that enforcement of a 20-mph limit would be disproportionate. The objector suggests that parking issues associated with school activity are the primary traffic problem in the area and should be addressed instead of introducing a lower speed limit. 4.9 Officers advised that evidence from other 20 mph schemes indicates only a minimal impact on journey times, typically around a 3% increase impact on journey time. It was noted that 20 mph limits are intended for residential streets, which typically form the start or end of journeys, while strategic routes remain subject to higher speed limits. Experience elsewhere suggests that congestion does not materially increase and that lower, more consistent speeds can improve traffic flow and reduce harsh braking and acceleration. 4.10 Officers acknowledged the historically low collision record in the area but highlighted that national and local policy prioritises preventative road safety measures. While modern vehicle safety features are beneficial, reduced vehicle speeds remain critical in lowering collision severity and improving reaction times, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. 4.11 Although the roads are described as wide and well maintained, they serve residential areas where pedestrians and school-related activity occur. The proposals are consistent with national guidance recommending 20 mph limits on residential streets. Issues relating to inconsiderate parking are being addressed separately through enforcement and do not remove the wider safety benefits of lower speeds. Clear signage and communications will accompany the scheme to minimise driver confusion. The proposed 20 mph limit forms part of a national initiative supported by the Scottish Government to improve road safety and encourage active travel. 4.12 After responses were provided by officers both objectors were given the opportunity to reconsider their position. Objector 1 confirmed they did not wish to remove their objection, and no response was received from Objector 2.
Page 4
Unmarked 4.13 Several representations were received in support of the proposed 20 mph speed limits. Supporters cited frequent speeding on residential streets, concerns for pedestrian and child safety particularly on routes used by school pupils, and potential benefits in reducing traffic noise. Support was also expressed for the principle of lower speed limits being accompanied by effective monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance and maximise safety benefits. 4.14 The Scottish Government’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 sets out the five pillars of a ‘safe system’ approach to road safety. These are Safe Road Use; Safe Vehicles; Safe Speeds; Safe Roads and Roadsides; and Post-Crash Response. Improvement in all of these pillars is required to achieve the Scottish Government’s vision. Introducing 20mph speed limits will make an important contribution to achieving a ‘safe system’ and supplement rather than replace other efforts. 4.15 There is strong evidence that safety concerns discourage greater uptake of cycling. Research funded by Transport Scotland in 2023 identified poor perceptions of safety as one of the key deterrents to cycling. Unlike some of the other issues identified, such as weather and practicality, safety can be directly influenced by local and national government. 4.16 No significant adverse changes to vehicle journey times are anticipated. The proposed Order focuses on residential streets typically used for a short distance at the start or end of a journey. Main roads will retain their speed limits, and hence journey times on the vast majority of a typical journey’s length would be unaffected 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no people implications associated with these proposals. 6. Financial and Procurement Implications 6.1 All materials and large-scale works have been completed with only limited cost associated with the erection of signage to support the new speed limits. The majority of these signs will be erected on existing infrastructure. 6.2 No funding confirmation for 26/27 has been provided by Scottish Government for future package roll out. 6.3 Failure to proceed may result in request from Scottish Government to pay back funding received.
Page 5
Unmarked 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 Potential risk of requiring to pay back Scottish Government funding received for the implementation of 20mph limits should the decision be taken not to proceed. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 This proposal will help the socio-economically disadvantaged as there are more likely to be the victims of road traffic accidents. Improves the health and well-being of our residents by providing safer roads to encourage walking and cycling. An EIA was completed the 20mph Street Strategy. 9. Consultation 9.1 As a Scottish Government initiative consultation with appropriate key stakeholders has been undertaken on a national level. Local consultations have been completed through the statutory process. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 The review sets out actions to support the successful delivery of the strategic priorities and objectives of the Council, in particular: Our Neighbourhoods are sustainable and attractive. Chief Officer Gail Macfarlane Service Area Roads and Neighbourhood Date: 30 April 2026 Person to Contact: Liam Greene, Roads and Transport Manager, Liam.greene@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendix Traffic Regulation Orders Statement of Reasons Wards Affected: All wards