Highland Council drives forward with introducing 20 mph project
Progress continues to be made by The Highland Council to introduce 20 mph speed limits to over 100 sites in 2023.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Work is ongoing at pace to deliver this ambitious project which will benefit Highland communities.
“The scheme will improve road safety through simplifying speed limits for drivers, reducing perceptions of road danger, encouraging people to walk and wheel, and create more pleasant towns, villages and neighbourhoods by providing a more equitable environment for all road users.
“Transport Scotland have approved all 115 settlements we put forward and all details of the sites are now available on our website.”
He added: “I’d like to thank our small but very dedicated Road Safety Team for all their hard work. To do a roll out on this scale is unprecedented. I look forward to seeing work start on the ground.”
A one-stop shop for information on the project has been created and can be accessed by visiting – https://www.highland.gov.uk/20mph
As early adopters, all costs of the roll out to the Council will be fully funded by Transport Scotland. This will include arrangements to carry out post implementation speed surveys which are being carried out to evaluate the new 20 mph speed limit effectiveness and inform decision making on the design and permanency of the reduced limits.
All speed data from all sites will be published on the webpage providing the public with full information to ensure transparency during public consultation and the route to permanency. Site plans, information on scheme extents and temporary traffic orders will also be available on the webpage.
Positive engagement continues between the Council and Transport Scotland with regards to Trunk Road inclusion in the project through a number of Highland settlements.