Glasgow City Council has announced plans to introduce a blanket 20mph zone in all residential areas, in a bid to improve the city’s poor health record.

The proposal is one of 20 from the council’s health commission, which was set up to address Glasgow’s health record. Recommendations are largely focused on children and families and creating a child-friendly city.

They will now be examined in more detail, but the council will push ahead with implementing the 20mph zones, subject to consultation. The commission said there was clear evidence that this move would also save young lives, reduce the severity of injuries, and prevent accidents in more deprived neighbourhoods.

Cllr Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: ‘The creation of mandatory 20mph zones in residential areas in Glasgow could reduce traffic accidents and make the city a safer place to live.’

The health commission’s other recommendations shift emphasis and resources towards safe, active and sustainable modes of transport, and call for increased spending on walking and cycling. It proposes a bike hire scheme at both ends of the new cycle route from the city centre to the East End, as well as an annual car-free day when public transport is free for all.

It also recommends further support for ‘green’ travel plans, with public bodies making them mandatory in order to set a good example for the private sector. Planning guidance should be adopted to require developers to include such considerations in their proposals.

The commission’s report found that young people want more to be done to tackle intimidation on public transport, and are concerned about their environment, especially litter and graffiti.

Professor Pamela Gillies, chair of the Health Commission, said: ‘Our recommendations don’t cover every possible aspect of this issue, but they are realistic and achievable, and form a good basis for the transformation of the health and wellbeing of all our citizens, especially those in the most difficult circumstances.'