Friends of the Earth has said the move will protect pedestrians and cyclists

An environmental group has welcomed plans to reduce speed limits across Glasgow.

Glasgow City Council announced this week that it will take forward plans to introduce a 20-mph speed limit across the city.

The speed limit will be brought in on all residential streets, main shopping areas, and places where there are high levels of walking or cycling.

Friends of the Earth Scotland air pollution campaigner Gavin Thomson said the move will benefit pedestrians and cyclists.

He said: “Children growing up in our town and cities should be able to feel safe to walk, cycle, and play in their neighbourhoods, and slowing the traffic to 20mph is just the way to help achieve a friendlier, safer, and cleaner Glasgow.

"Glasgow’s decision to join Edinburgh in adopting 20mph limits makes the Scottish Parliament's rejection of a bill that would have implemented a similar plan nationwide all the more frustrating. At a time when councils are cash-strapped, MSPs cowered from making a nationwide change that would have made it easier and cheaper to roll-out 20mph limits.

“The UN climate negotiations coming to Glasgow in 2020 should be a wake-up call. Our transport system is unsustainable so we must start prioritising greener transport over fossil fuelled cars, otherwise we will keep wrecking the climate and choking on toxic fumes."