Glasgow City Council sets out 20mph zone plans following traffic deaths
In recent weeks, Glasgow has faced an abnormally high number of traffic accidents which led to pedestrian casualties.
Two pedestrians unfortunately passed away, while another was left with injuries.
The two fatal accidents occurred on the same day, February 2, within an hour of each other.
The first incident was Chinenye Vera Okonkwo, a public health student at Glasgow Caledonian University. She was struck by a vehicle on St Vincent Street at 7:40pm and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The universities principal and vice chancellor, Stephen Decent, called the passing “a terrible shock”.
He continued: “We offer our sincere condolences to Chinenye’s family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”
The second incident involved a 64-year-old dog-walker. He was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on Bartiebeith Road at 8:30pm and has not been named.
The accidents created unrest in the local council, and among some in the public as well.
Road safety charity Brake has called for drivers and pedestrians alike to be more cautious.
Brake chief executive Mary Williams said: “If you are a driver, please remember who you share the road with: slowing down and giving people space is vital for safety.”
Shortly before the accidents, a plan to introduce a city wide 20 mile per hour zone was set out by Glasgow City Council, aiming to increase safety.
The new speed limit will cover all the city’s residential streets, the city centre, other main shopping areas and places of high foot traffic, all in an attempt to increase safety levels.
It is set to be rolled out by the end of 2024.
For now, police are urging pedestrians to be aware of potential risks when walking in the city.
