Speed limits are to be reduced in areas near schools

The move is part of an initiative to improve road safety and reduce the number of children killed and injured on Scotland's roads.

Local authorities across Scotland will receive �27m in funding to implement the 20mph speed limits in a bid to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on vulnerable routes.

The new traffic calming measures will be brought in over a three year period.

The announcement was made by Transport Minister Nicol Stephen at Upper Westfield Primary in Aberdeen, where a 20mph limit has just been implemented.

Safety research

Mr Stephen said: "The Scottish Executive is committed to improving children's road safety and reducing the number of children killed and injured on Scotland's roads.

"Twenty mph zones have been very effective in reducing the number of accidents and the severity of casualties.

"Research shows that injury accidents have fallen by 60%, child pedestrian accidents by 70% and child cyclist accidents by 48% in areas where 20 mph zones and traffic calming measures have been introduced."

Individual councils will work with the police to prioritise those areas around schools and homes which they believe require the lower speed limits.

Mandatory zones call

Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane welcomed the introduction of 20mph zones but called for them to be made mandatory.

Ms Kane, who was knocked down by a car as a child, also wants the zones introduced around play parks and built up areas around motorway exits.

The Glasgow MSP said: "Introducing mandatory 20mph zones would have an immediate impact on children, mothers with prams and buggies and on older people who feel frightened and intimidated when they are faced with busy roads and speeding traffic."