Police will struggle to enforce Glasgow's new 20mph zones due to a lack of officers.
The Scottish Police Federation emphasised that there aren't enough cops in the city to take on the extra responsibility of enforcing the around 3700 streets, where speed limits will be lowered.
David Kennedy, general secretary, said members of the organisation agree with the new measure - to be introduced over the course of 2026 - however, they will have a difficult time being present on the roads.
He explained: "It will save lives, of course, we're supportive of it.
"But what you can't do is introduce it and think it's going to increase the police presence within the areas.
"And for anybody who breaks the law, this is not going to stop them from doing that."
He highlighted that the organisation, which represents over 16,000 Police Scotland staff, has repeatedly asked for more funding from the Scottish Government.
Without more officers on the streets, the force will not be able to enforce the new speed limits.
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Despite this, Mr Kennedy explained, the scheme will be helpful in reducing deaths and injuries on the roads.
He explained: "According to the stats I've got, at 20 mph, there's a 5% chance of somebody being killed.
"But at 30 mph, there's a 20% chance.
"So clearly, we're reducing the likelihood of death by 15% by reducing the speed limit.
"But that's obviously as long as the individual is driving the car in accordance with it."
Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Transport, believes even without enforcement, the new measures will be successful in changing people's behaviour.
He said: "Just because there's not a police officer on his feet with a speed gun doesn't mean that the speed limit is any different.
"So, enforcement's important and we'll, of course, work with the police to understand how they can support the rollout of and the enforcement of the new zones, but ultimately it's about creating that mindset shift.
"We all need to be thinking that the default is 20mph, unless we're advised otherwise.
"It's a culture change in terms of road safety and driver behaviour in the city and in itself is really valuable.
"Even if the police are still ultimately responsible for enforcing it, it's for everybody to change their behaviour in line with the new approach."
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Police Scotland said road safety is a priority and confirmed that road officers are deployed at "locations that represent the greatest risk to road-users".
A spokesperson said: "This includes sites of previous collisions where speed has been a factor and areas with vulnerable road users, for example, at key arterial routes and roads near schools.
“Road Policing welcomes measures that reduce instances of speeding and the devastating impact that driving at excessive speeds can have on other road users in the event of collisions.
“Drivers should take heed of the reduced limits as they are introduced during this expansion and drive accordingly.
“The dangers of speeding are well-known. People who speed not only put themselves at risk, but also other members of the public, and drivers should take responsibility for their own actions when they get behind the wheel."
The Glasgow Times is running a series this week exploring the upcoming rollout of the 20mph zones across the city.
Do you have a story? Email eszter.tarnai@newsquest.co.uk.
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