Mixed reception in Caithness for expansion of 20mph speed limit plan in the Highlands
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A PLAN to expand a 20mph speed limit in the Highlands as part of pilot scheme has received a mixed reception in the far north.
Ron Gunn, a local councillor and chairman of the Caithness Committee, welcomed the extension but roads campaigner, Iain Gregory, expressed reservations about the proposal.
They spoke after Highland Council was asked by Transport Scotland to be a pilot local authority for the National 20 mph Implementation Strategy. It wants 20 mph speed limits across the country to promote road safety and create more pleasant towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
To achieve that, suitability assessments are being carried out across 130 sites around the council area before the roll out of 20 mph speed limits to communities across the Highlands.The assessments are taking place where speed limits of 30 mph or below already exist.
Mr Gunn backs the extension of the 20mph speed limit in built up areas for road safety reasons and said it would solve the confusion drivers experience when there are areas with 20 and 30mph speed zones.
"I am in favour of this scheme on safety grounds, especially for young children crossing the road. If someone is hit by a vehicle at 20mph the outcome would not be as bad as at 30mph. At that speed, the damage to someone would be worse. Youngsters and elderly people need protection. It is a good idea and I think the speed limit should be brought down in built-up areas," he said.
Mr Gunn added: "Transport Scotland want to roll this out throughout the country and I have nothing against that. If this project saves a life or prevents serious injury to someone it will be worth it."
However, Iain Gregory, the co-founder of Caithness Roads Recovery and a former senior police officer, has concerns about the extension of the scheme.
"I welcome any initiative that may increase road safety but I do have certain reservations about introducing a blanket limit. The first question is are the measures being implemented on the grounds of road safety, or on environmental grounds, or both? What research has been carried out, and what statistical data is available? Will the results be reviewed in due course?"
"I am concerned, in particular, about the safety aspect near schools. At present, if we have a 30 mph limit, then school approaches are clearly marked with flashing lights and signage, and the vast majority of drivers realise, and accept, that there is a definite need to slow down to 20 mph or less. If these signs are to be discontinued as we have a blanket limit, I fear that vehicle speeds at or near schools will not be as controlled as they are at present. Additionally, I do wonder whether pollution will actually reduce – lower gears will be needed, congestion may increase, and natural traffic separation will be affected".
He added: "I do not support any further extension of limits on the A9 as it passes through Thurso. The current 20mph stretch is quite sufficient. Improved signage can reinforce the indications as to the areas where limits change".
A report on the programme will be presented at Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee on November 10. It will update members on the work the council’s road safety team is doing to prepare for the 20 mph roll out which is due to be completed by Summer 2023. Once all assessments are completed, details of where the 20 mph roll outs will be located will be provided.
Committe chairman, Ken Gowans, said the project would have "significant benefits for the safety of all road users" and added: "This initiative is fully funded by the Scottish Government and will be widely welcomed."
A Transport Scotland spokesperson added: "The Scottish Government remains committed to making our streets safer and to enabling more sustainable travel choices that benefit public health and our environmental targets."
