Glasgow Prepares to Roll Out 20mph Speed Limits, Police Warn Enforcement Will Be Challenging

Glasgow City Council is set to introduce a 20mph speed limit on approximately 3,700 streets across the city throughout 2026, in an effort to make built-up areas safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

While the move has been widely welcomed as a measure to reduce road casualties, the Scottish Police Federation has expressed concerns over the practicality of enforcement. General Secretary David Kennedy warned that there are not enough officers available to police the new limits effectively.

“What you can’t do is introduce it and expect there to be more police presence in these areas,” Kennedy explained. “And for anyone determined to break the law, nothing will physically prevent them from doing so.”

Glasgow City Council stressed that it will continue to work closely with Police Scotland to support road safety during the rollout. A council spokesperson said:

“Once the 20mph limits are in place, they will be legally enforceable like any other speed limit. Clear signage and a public awareness campaign will accompany the rollout to help drivers understand the changes and maximise safety benefits. We will also monitor and evaluate the limits’ effectiveness after implementation.”

Police Scotland added that enforcement resources will be focused on high-risk locations, particularly areas with a history of collisions or where vulnerable road users are present, such as key arterial routes and streets near schools.

“Speeding is dangerous and puts both the driver and the public at risk,” said a Police Scotland spokesperson. “Drivers need to take responsibility for their actions on the road, and our efforts will target locations where we can have the greatest impact on reducing casualties.”

The 20mph rollout forms part of a wider effort across Scotland to create safer streets in urban areas, but officials acknowledge that successful implementation will rely heavily on public compliance as well as targeted enforcement.