Glasgow to roll out citywide 20mph limits on residential streets

Glasgow City Council is preparing to introduce a citywide 20mph speed limit across residential roads, with the phased rollout due to begin in early 2026.

The SNP-led authority has confirmed the changes will apply to almost 3,700 streets, forming one of the largest speed limit reductions undertaken by a UK city. The programme will be delivered in six stages, with full implementation expected by autumn 2026.

Under the plans, 3,690 roads currently operating at 30mph will be reduced to 20mph. Around 1,400 streets already subject to 20mph limits will remain unchanged, while approximately 650 roads will retain 30mph limits. Key arterial routes and roads with 40mph limits will not be affected.

The move brings Glasgow into line with other Scottish cities that have already adopted similar measures. Edinburgh began introducing 20mph limits in 2016, while councils including Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Highland and West Dunbartonshire have either completed rollouts or introduced reduced limits on local roads. Several other authorities are currently consulting on comparable schemes.

Although the Scottish Government had set out an ambition to see 20mph limits introduced nationwide by the end of 2025, this target has not been met.

In Glasgow, responsibility for the scheme sits with Councillor Angus Millar, the council’s Convener for Transport. He said evidence from Edinburgh showed casualty figures fell by around 30% following the capital’s rollout and argued that lower limits do not significantly increase journey times.

“You often don’t see a particular discernible impact on journey times for people because with the whole system changing, traffic flow can be better managed,” he said.“We will also maintain speed limits on key arterial routes. So, there is no evidence that there’s been a massive change in times for people who continue to use the car.”

Supporters of 20mph limits argue they improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, while encouraging more active travel. However, similar schemes elsewhere have faced criticism over consultation and enforcement.

In Aberdeen, for example, the council previously acknowledged that reduced limits on hundreds of streets could not initially be enforced due to missing or incomplete signage.

Despite those concerns, Glasgow City Council maintains the changes will lead to safer streets, reduced casualties and improved road environments across the city as the rollout progresses.