Govind Tekale
Falkirk Council is set to introduce 20mph speed limits across parts of the district as a key measure in its draft Road Safety Plan for 2025-2030. The plan, which will be discussed at a council executive meeting on May 1, aims to slash road deaths and serious injuries by half within five years.
The proposal forms part of a wider strategy to eventually reach zero road deaths by 2050, in line with Transport Scotland’s national framework.
Council officials have based their plan on a decade of local collision data showing speed is a major factor in the most serious crashes. Analysis of data from 2013 to 2024 revealed that 39% of speed-related collisions resulted in serious or fatal injuries.
Douglas Gardiner, Head of Environment and Operations at Falkirk Council, emphasized the practical nature of the approach: “This plan sets out a practical and evidence-based approach to reducing road casualties in Falkirk. The aim is to ensure our roads are safer for everyone, whether driving, walking, cycling or using public transport.”
Who is most at risk?
The data analysis highlighted several groups who face higher risks on Falkirk’s roads:
Young drivers and motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in casualties, with many crashes involving driver or rider error.
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For pedestrians, children aged 11-16 face the highest overall casualty rates, while those over 65 suffer the most serious injuries when struck.
Adult cyclists between 35-55 years old make up the largest percentage of cycling casualties, with most accidents happening during morning and evening rush hours.
Councillor Paul Garner, Depute Leader of Falkirk Council, pointed to research showing the dramatic difference lower speeds make in pedestrian survival rates. A pedestrian hit at 30mph is seven times more likely to die than someone struck at 20mph.
Trial already underway
Airth village is currently serving as a test site for the 20mph initiative. The 18-month pilot began in April 2024 and has received strong backing from locals, with over 70% supporting 20mph limits in built-up areas and 90% agreeing speed limits should be implemented where safety is a concern.
Temporary 20mph zones have also been put in place in several other communities including Avonbridge, California, Dunmore, Skinflats, South Alloa, and Torwood for up to 18 months to address immediate safety concerns.
Beyond speed limits
The safety plan includes additional measures beyond new speed limits:
- Road safety education targeting high-risk groups like young drivers
- Infrastructure improvements including better signage and road markings
- Enhanced active travel routes for cyclists and pedestrians
- Specific safety improvements near schools
The council has already identified several priority roads for safety measures, including sections of the B905, A883, A905, and Polmont Road.
Major junction upgrades are also in progress, including an £800,000 improvement at the A904/A993 Snab Brae junction in Bo’ness and a £2.6 million roundabout planned for the Champany junction following a recent fatal accident.
Funding questions remain
While the safety benefits are clear, questions remain about how all proposed measures will be funded.
The council expects to receive around £309,000 from the Scottish Government’s road safety improvement fund this year. Additionally, Falkirk Council has set aside £200,000 in its budget specifically for “quick wins” at schools, starting with those ranked as highest priority.
However, implementing all necessary signage and traffic calming measures across the district will require significant investment. With the draft plan now heading to the council executive for discussion, the financial aspects will likely be a key focus of deliberations.
The meeting will take place on May 1 at 10am in Grangemouth Community Education Unit and will also be livestreamed on Falkirk Council’s YouTube channel.
