Lower speed limits of 20mph in Dundee streets introduced during lockdown have been backed by around half of Dundee residents, according to new research.
The lower limits were introduced in several parts of the city in the summer of 2020 to make residential areas safer to walk and cycle in.
Research published this month by sustainable transport body Sustrans, which funded the reductions with support from the Scottish Government, found that 50% of local residents in Dundee supported them.
The study also found that 48% of people were walking and cycling more as a result of the lower limits and other new projects designed to get people active at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dundee saw a number of projects trialled as part of the Spaces for People programme.
Entire roads were closed off to vehicular traffic in Broughty Ferry and the 20mph speed limits were introduced in the Ferry, Perth Road, Douglas and Fintry areas.
Most notably, Union Street in the city centre was completely closed off to vehicles.
Benches and cafe areas were installed in parking spaces and the road itself was covered in bright street art.
Since then, Sustrans says the area and others like it have experienced a 25% increase in footfall.
Some of the projects have been removed over time as lockdown eased - or the measures themselves proved unpopular with locals.
However, others may become permanent, subject to public consultation.
Patrick Harvie, the Green active travel minister, said: “When the pandemic struck last year it changed overnight how we thought about travel.
"It showed a real appetite for people to walk, wheel and cycle more.
"So the speed and breadth of change that was delivered by many councils, Sustrans and other delivery partners to create safe spaces in our towns and cities, was so important in meeting that new demand.
"It shows that if safe space is provided, people want to use it.”
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