Temporary Lower Speed Limits to Enable Safer Travel

Controversial I know - but what if we temporarily lowered all the speed limits by 10mph, or 10% or whatever to greatly reduce the probability of a serious road traffic accident? In tandem with this, double the fines for speeding!
I suggest this primarily as a possible answer to those opposing almost all forms of relaxing the restrictions on outdoor activities due to the fact that most people will have to drive to get to 'The Great Outdoors'.
Maybe some additional basic rules for outdoor activities -
Only in your own household group.
If the car park is full, go somewhere else or go home.
Observe physical distancing at all times as much as possible.
Wear gloves/use hand sanitizer when operating gates or parking ticket machines.

Why the contribution is important

In 2018 there was 1,368 serious road traffic accidents in Scotland, I believe that reducing the speed limit would significantly reduce this number and reduce the workload for our NHS.
People need to get outdoors or we face a mental health time bomb. Scotland has a LOT of rural outdoor space but the majority of people need to drive to access it.
In Scotland we have wonderful outdoor access regulations (or rather a lack thereof) that enable everyone to have equal rights to enjoy the nature of our amazing we country. To me, this is one of the things that really defines Scotland, one of the things that really makes us 'special'. We should work towards restoring this in full as quickly as possible as I believe it will benefit the mental wellbeing of a huge proportion of our population.
This could be in conjunction with allowing other outdoor activities.

by ProudTeuchter on May 08, 2020 at 04:29PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 2.1
Based on: 11 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Chimp May 08, 2020 at 16:48

    We've had enough liberty removed without adding any more restrictions.

  • Posted by Chimp May 08, 2020 at 16:49

    And have given the Police more than enough new powers without giving them more. Lets not allow the cure to be worse than the disease.

  • Posted by kedra May 08, 2020 at 16:55

    I think this would be confusing for everyone and difficult to police or enforce. It restricts goods being transported efficiently at a time when there are shortages and logistical difficulties in supply chains.

    It would distract from the core message that the Covid crisis is a public health issue and risks diluting other government advice on correct cross infection conduct and the social rules.

    I'm all for more liberty in allowing travel because it's disproportionate to restrict travel into the outdoors given this doesn't considerably increase the human contact or human-object-human spread.

    Comparatively our roads are already quite safe relative to other countries.

  • Posted by lmg1612 May 08, 2020 at 19:31

    If this was to happen, we would be as well just siting on the sofa wrapped in bubble wrap for the rest of our lives. We have had enough restrictions placed on us.

  • Posted by Gesabrek May 09, 2020 at 14:12

    I think this is a great idea especially in areas where people are walking and cycling near their homes and complying with the rules. Unfortunately, as we try to observe the 2m distance cars will fly by at break neck speed. You will only encourage people to get off the couch if you make it a pleasant experience.
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