More powers to make our streets safer should be devolved to Scotland, according to pedestrians’ campaign charity Living Streets Scotland. Today, (31 October 2014) the charity is calling on the Smith Commission to include more road safety powers for Holyrood, when drawing up the new Scotland Act. Devolution of power on key areas such as urban speed limits and the time allowed at signalised pedestrian crossings, would help to make Scotland more walking friendly, says the charity.
Head of Living Streets Scotland, Stuart Hay, said:
‘We have witnessed the travesty of the progress of the Inconsiderate Parking Bill which illustrates the legislative confusion which exists around these issues. This piece of legislation has the potential to improve the safety and quality of life for all pedestrians but especially for countless visually impaired and disabled people in Scotland. Yet it has been delayed and disrupted not for lack of support or political will, but because of bureaucratic process and unclear responsibilities.
‘Giving MSPs powers over national speed limits, road traffic offences, crossings and traffic signs is an opportunity to improve our towns and city centres for pedestrians. Given the high levels of physical inactivity in Scotland and the economic cost of poor health as a result of sedentary lifestyles, we cannot afford not to invest and make the legislative changes needed to make walking safer and easier.’
The Living Streets submission to the Smith Commission, The case for devolving further powers for pedestrians and road safety, also calls for the Scottish Parliament to have fiscal responsibility for pedestrian crossings, traffic signs, national speed limits and road traffic offences.
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