UK city to axe 40mph speed limits within days with thousands of drivers at risk of fines

Edinburgh City Council will change the speed limits from June 9

Drivers have been warned to expect huge changes to speed limits across one of the UK's largest cities, forcing thousands of motorists to slow down.

Edinburgh City Council revealed that from Monday, June 9, it will begin implementing a series of speed reduction measures, including cutting speeds from 40mph to 30mph in multiple locations across the city.

The new speed limit signs will be installed throughout June and July, with roads now facing lower limits and drivers facing penalties for breaking the new measures.

The move forms part of the council’s City Centre Transformation strategy, which hopes to reduce the number of kilometres travelled by cars by 30 per cent by 2030.

Once the new 30mph signs are put in place, the new speed limits will be enforceable, with Biggar Road set to be the first road to have the lower limits.

Under UK law, drivers can be fined £100 as well as slapped with three penalty points for breaking the speed limit, although this can go up to as much as £2,000 if caught speeding on motorways.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: "Road safety is a key priority for us and I’m glad that we’re moving ahead with this important process. While this has taken longer than we initially anticipated, I’m confident that these measures will make many of our roads across the city safer.