Blanket 20mph speed limit could be introduced on UK roads to combat road fatalities

While the figure represents the fifth lowest annual total on record, it signals a concerning reversal of recent progress made across Scotland, which has already introduced more road safety measures this year, including 20mph zones and parking restrictions.

In response to the figures, calls have been growing for the Scottish Government to intensify road safety measures, including expanding 20mph speed limits across the country.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

Road fatalities in Scotland rose nine per cent last year

PA/GETTY

The Transport Secretary said the Government is investing a record £48million in road safety initiatives this financial year.

“Behind every one of these statistics is a person or a household that has been changed forever,” Hyslop said.

“One life lost on our roads is one too many, and I want to reiterate that road safety remains an absolute priority for the Scottish Government.”

The statistics revealed that non-built-up roads accounted for nearly two-thirds of fatalities (64 per cent), despite representing 42 per cent of total casualties. These roads, which have speed limits exceeding 40mph, saw 103 deaths in 2024.

Built-up roads with speed limits up to 40mph recorded 57 fatalities, representing a 13 per cent increase compared to the 2014-18 baseline period. In contrast, fatalities on non-built-up roads decreased by 16 per cent over the same timeframe.

While overall casualty numbers fell by four per cent to 5,576, the distribution varied by severity. Serious injuries decreased marginally by one per cent to 1,931, and slight injuries dropped by seven per cent to 3,485.

The data showed 145 fatal collisions occurred in 2024, two more than in 2023, alongside 1,644 serious injury collisions and 2,273 slight injury collisions.

As part of the Government’s £48million investment, it will fund safety improvements on trunk and local roads, awareness campaigns targeting speeding, seatbelt use and drink-driving, and new safety technology deployment.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Scotland hopes to mandate 20mph speed limits across the country this year

ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL

Hyslop acknowledged the figures were “a painful reminder of the challenge we face” but insisted she refused to accept road deaths as inevitable.

“I remain absolutely determined to save lives and ensure we continue working towards our long-term vision of no one being killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads by 2050,” she said.

Car users experienced the most significant rise in fatalities, jumping 30 per cent from 57 to 74 deaths. They represented the largest casualty group overall with 3,326 injuries, accounting for 59 per cent of all road casualties.

Conversely, pedestrian fatalities fell from 47 to 41, with total pedestrian casualties dropping seven per cent to 883. Cycling deaths decreased sharply from seven to three, with overall cycling casualties falling six per cent to 382.

The majority of road fatalities occured on roads with 40mph speed limits

PA

Child casualties under 16 decreased by 18 per cent to 477, with fatalities dropping from five to three. The statistics showed 229 child pedestrian casualties and 186 child car passenger casualties in 2024.

But Scotland’s progress towards its 2030 road safety targets remains significantly off track, with the country achieving only an eight per cent reduction in fatalities compared to the 2014-18 baseline, far short of the 50 per cent reduction target.

Child fatalities, measured as a three-year average, fell by 35 per cent against a 60 per cent target, while serious injuries to children decreased by 38 per cent.

The Cabinet Secretary revealed she had addressed organisations at the Road Safety Scotland Annual Seminar and would chair the Strategic Partnership Board meeting later this month to emphasise the importance of road safety investment to members.