West Lothian plan for national speed limit changes agreed

Transport Scotland, the national agency who deliver the Scottish Government's vision for transport, are seeking to reduce driving speed in towns, cities, and villages all over Scotland by 2025.
Their 'Slower today for a safer tomorrow' strategy aims to make roads across Scotland safer, reduce accidents and fatalities, and encourage active travel, such as walking and cycling. 
Statistics show you are seven times more likely to survive being hit by a vehicle travelling at 20mph, rather than 30mph.
A similar national scheme has already been implemented in Wales and 20mph limits have already been introduced in council areas across Scotland. Welsh government figures reported that a 100 fewer people were killed or seriously injured on the roads during the first year of the scheme.
Council Executive have now approved a plan to implement the national strategy in three phases, starting with the areas with most residents first, which includes Livingston, Bathgate and Blackburn. 
The second phase will be Broxburn and Uphall, Linlithgow, Armadale and Whitburn, with the rest of West Lothian's settlements covered in phase three.  
Details of when work for each phase will be carried out will be shared with local residents, when it is confirmed. 
Police Scotland will be consulted over the implementation, and will remain responsible for enforcing the new 20mph limits in West Lothian and across Scotland. 
Funding is being provided by Transport Scotland.
Executive councillor for the environment and sustainability Tom Conn said: "Evidence shows that driving at 20mph can drastically improve a person's chances of surviving an accident, or escaping serious.
"The common-sense approach to the implementation plan, in appropriate urban areas, being taken in West Lothian will see speed limits reduced in the busiest areas first. 
"This will improve road safety for the maximum number of local residents, as soon as possible."