Thurso could have 20mph speed limit 'fairly soon', says local councillor
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A SPEED limit of 20mph could be introduced in parts of Thurso "fairly soon," according to local Highland councillor, Karl Rosie.
He outlined the plan at a meeting of the Thurso Community Council - held remotely last week because of the coronavirus restrictions - and said the speed limit would apply to areas in the centre of the town and to the roads leading into Thurso. A similar scheme already operates in Wick.
Community councillor, James Campbell, asked how the 20mph speed limit would be enforced and wondered how effective the Wick project has been. Mr Rosie said Police Scotland would enforce the rules.
Chairman, Ron Gunn, said the 20mph restriction in the Springpark area of the town seems to work well and claimed it is sensible to have such a limit in central areas and around schools for safety reasons.
Mr Campbell said speeding is a problem in Castlegreen Road. "It is very bad there with lorries coming up from Scrabster, going along Castlegreen Road and out past the Dunbar hospital. There is a speed bump in Castlegreen Road but it is little deterrent," he stated.
Thelma Mackenzie agreed. "It is shocking there but the speed bump is pretty low," she said.
Mr Campbell also said speeding is a problem in Princes Street. "The speed indication signs have been out of action for months now. Something needs to be done to try and reduce the speed of the cars and trucks. It is horrendous," he added.
Treasurer, Elspeth Husband, asked if something could be done to help improve safety for cyclists in Thurso. Mr Rosie said there are plans to create cycle lanes in the town.
Later, the community council agreed in principle to back a plan by local activist, Alexander Glasgow, to plant 100 roses in Thurso.
He has the roses but is hoping to get funding for the top soil and manure which will cost between £100 and £250.
Mr Glasgow said: "Olrig Street and the Royal British Legion (Scotland) roses are some years old. Previously they were replaced on a rolling basis but this hasn't been the case for a while. They subsequently are growing tired and patchy.
"One idea also would be for residents to 'adopt' a rose in the name of a loved one perhaps with a plaque they have purchased as other rose gardens in Caithness have done." He stressed the preparation and planting will be "fully Corona compliant".
Chairman Ron Gunn said:"It is a good idea and would benefit the community."
Louise Smith also backed the plan. "It is a very good idea and we should support it," she said.
The community council agreed to help Mr Glasgow try and get the funding to enable the planting of the roses to go ahead.
