Almost a year after four new 20mph zones were trialled in Dundee they could be made permanent, if councillors give them the green light.
The reduced speed limits in parts of Broughty Ferry, Douglas, Fintry and the West End were brought in last summer as part of the Spaces for People scheme.
Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “People quickly adapted to the change in a constructive way and appreciate being able to walk and cycle more safely to support physical distancing and promote public health.
“As lockdown measures ease these four 20mph zones will help to change the face of parts of the city by creating a safer street environment.”
A report to the city development committee seeking approval for Traffic Regulation Orders to make the limits permanent shows that average speeds for the areas are relatively low and close to parameters in the Transport Scotland guidance for 20mph zones.
It recommends that 20mph limits should mostly be considered where existing average speeds are no greater than 24mph, which is the case in five of the six sites monitored.
Dundee City Council was initially awarded £460,000 from the Scottish Government’s Spaces for People Fund, which will meet the costs of bringing in the Traffic Order.
Also being considered for permanent status is the pedestrianisation of Union Street. Under the proposal all vehicles and parking will be prohibited, the only exception being for loading between 11pm and 11am.
In a recent survey there was overwhelming support for making Union Street a pedestrianised area after it was temporarily closed last summer. The street has seen a number of environmental improvements including planters and street art and many hospitality businesses took the opportunity to create outside seating areas.
Funded by Scottish Government and managed by Sustrans Scotland, Spaces for People is a temporary infrastructure programme in Scotland offering funding and support to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for permitted journeys and exercise, while physical distancing is in place during Covid-19 and as we transition out of lockdown.
The city development committee meets on Monday (May 10).
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
