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Lowering of speed limit to 20mph in built-up areas wins Highland Council backing as local authority agrees to lobby Scottish Government


By Scott Maclennan

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Highland Council has committed to lobbying the Scottish Government to make 20mph the default speed limit for cars in built-up areas.

A motion put forward by Lib Dem councillors Gordon Adam and Richard Gale at last week’s full meeting of Highland Council also called for funding and updated signage.

The two members made the move in response to what they said was “increasing public concern on road safety” which had already led to a number of local area committees backing moves to cut speed limits.

They said that to continue the number of people engaging in active travel kick-started by the coronavirus pandemic it was time to revive legislation to make 20mph the standard speed limit in built-up areas.

Cllr Adam said: “This could help save many lives and reduce injuries – 20mph is what many communities ask the council to switch to, but the process is bureaucratic, slow and expensive.

“What we are asking for is to set 20mph as the norm instead of forcing us to make separate orders for each street.

“Slower roads and calmer traffic would help encourage more people to take up active travel and walking and continue the effort people have taken during lockdown.”


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