Drivers dealt major blow as UK city introduces new 20mph speed limits from today impacting thousands

The change forms part of a national push to see most built-up areas across Scotland capped at 20mph by the end of the year.

The council explained that the move will "save lives and strengthen communities" while also helping encourage walking and cycling.

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The council noted that not every road will be slowed to 20mph, with major through-routes and strategic link roads still staying at 30mph or higher.

However, residential streets, town centres, and areas near schools, health centres and play parks will all face lower speeds.

The council shared: "Most housing developments built from 2000 onwards already have 20mph limits or speed-reducing measures such as road humps. The 20mph programme extends these limits to village and town centres, as well as other roads where there is a good case for lowering the speed limit.

"The reason for this is to make our roads safer and, as a result, encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle. It also alters the balance between motor vehicles and other road users."

The council detailed how roads have been assessed against criteria drawn up with Transport Scotland to make sure they're "self-explanatory" and that drivers can reasonably be expected to accept the lower limit.

However, not everyone has been convinced by the benefits of the lower speed limits, with some residents viewing it as another example of the Government prioritising "social engineering over common sense".

Reform Councillor for Lower Deeside, Duncan Massey, shared on X: "The 20mph limits were never anything more than another anti-car policy from the SNP to add to the Bus Gates, LEZ's & seldom used cycle lanes."

Meanwhile, a local truck driver shared on Facebook: "We all want safe streets, but dropping to 20 everywhere just makes driving frustrating. It punishes careful drivers instead of targeting the real speeders."

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Critics have also been quick to point to similar policies in place across Wales, where its nationwide scheme rolled out in 2023 sparked public backlash and petitions signed by thousands of angry drivers.

However, the council stated that Scotland has chosen a "different path" by excluding wide, open roads and dual carriageways from its 20mph speed limit programme.

According to the Department for Transport, average journey times in 20mph areas increase by between three and five per cent.

Under the new speed limits, Police Scotland will be tasked with enforcing the law, with drivers caught speeding facing a £100 fine and three penalty points.

However, the council admitted that the scheme relies heavily on a "shift in driver behaviour", not just fines. "The council is working with the police to raise awareness of the 20mph speed limits through road safety education and prevention activities," it added.

The council also argued that the scheme will help cut emissions by encouraging more active travel, as cars account for nearly 40 per cent of transport emissions in Scotland.

In response to the changes, Aberdeenshire Council insisted that the move was not about punishing drivers or raising revenue.

The council shared: "The council doesn't profit from the introduction of 20mph speed limits. Speeding fines are submitted to the UK Treasury through the Scottish Court Service, and any 20mph fines are treated in the same way."