Speed limit of 20mph to be introduced in 17 Caithness villages as part of plan to improve road safety
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Seventeen villages in Caithness are due to have 20mph speed limits in 2023 after recommendations by Highland Council were approved by Transport Scotland.
Ackergill, Bower, Canisbay, Castletown, Dunbeath, Dunnet, Halkirk, Keiss, Latheronwheel, Lybster, Papigoe, Reay, Reiss, Scrabster, Staxigoe, Thrumster and Watten are scheduled to get the reduced speed limit next year along with 15 locations in Sutherland, including Bettyhill, Durness, Helmsdale, Portskerra and Tongue.
In total, over 100 sites in the Highlands will be part of the Transport Scotland trial to improve road safety.
The plan has been welcomed by the chairman of the local authority's economy and infrastructure committee, councillor Ken Gowans.
He 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."
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 to evaluate the new 20 mph speed limit and inform decision making on the design and permanency of the reduced limits.
All speed data from all sites will be published on the council's 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.
A one-stop shop for information on the project has been created and can be accessed by visiting www.highland.gov.uk/20mph
A total of 165 locations with 30mph speed limits across the north were assessed as part of the initiative with just over 100 being approved for the trial.
As previously reported, Castletown and District Community Council is in favour of a 20mph speed limit for the village as members feel it will be beneficial and improve road safety.
