Lower speed limit for Auckengill on the cards
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CALLS for a lower speed limit to be introduced at Auckengill could be considered by the local authority.
The Highland Council said that it is prepared to look into the issue following the death of Leicester cyclist Elaine Dunne (30) last week.
Her husband, Chris, suffered severe injuries as a result and was transported to hospital in Glasgow where his condition is said to be stable.
It was reported in Wednesday’s Caithness Courier that residents in the village have called for speed limits to be implemented for a number of years.
A spokesman for the Highland Council said in a brief statement yesterday: “We are awaiting the police report on this latest tragic accident.
“We will liaise closely with the police and take forward and investigate any recommendations that flow from their findings.”
Catherine Matheson (85) had contacted the Courier as a result of the crash saying that speed limits were urgently needed.
A lifelong resident of the village, she said that there have been a number of accidents caused by speeding in the area.
Together with other residents, she has led a long campaign to have 40 mph speed limits imposed.
She complained that the current 60 mph speed limit is not suitable and unless it is changed another accident could happen.
Speaking about the Highland Council’s response, Mrs Matheson said that she is encouraged to hear that it is prepared to at least take a look at the situation.
“We are one of the few villages in the county which does not have a speed limit going through the centre,” she said.
“We have long campaigned to get these implemented in Auckengill where we have spoken to the community council and local councillors.
“But nobody has ever seemed to listen and we had just given up on the idea that it would ever happen.”
She added: “Over the past few years, the level of traffic towards the ferries at Gills Bay has increased and there are motorbikes which speed through the village at 90 mph.
“I just hope that this will result in sensible speed limits being implemented in Auckengill.”
Dunnet and Canisbay Community Council chairman John Green said that he welcomed the news that the Highland Council is prepared to look further into the matter.
He said: “Obviously it would be helpful if they are looking into whether speed limits are needed in the village.
“I think that they would have to base the decision on the amount of traffic which travels to the ferry at Gills Bay. This is an issue which has been debated at community council meetings for a long time.
“We’ve been told in the past that they haven’t been needed, but if there is any research which can suggest otherwise, it would be welcome.”
