20mph signs hope for Seaboard villages after moves by Balintore and Hilton Community Council
A COMMUNITY in Easter Ross is seeking to tackle fast drivers – amid fears there could be a fatal accident.
Balintore and Hilton Community Council (BHCC) is trying to introduce “Twenty’s Plenty” road signs to address concerns over pedestrian safety – especially local children.
The issue raised during the last BHCC meeting concerns road stretches where residents park their cars and children run out between them.
BHCC chair Sandra Skinner, said: “Although most of the people that travel in the area respect the limits, some have been recorded to go at a high speed and this may result in children getting hurt, or worse, and although I am not aware of accidents of this type we want to prevent this possibility.”
She added that many residents were in favour of the new road signs.
Tain and Easter Ross councillor Fiona Robertson said: “Speeding is a problem in Inver, Portmahomack and the Seaboard villages. It has been reported to police for a long time and is something that always comes up at community council meetings. There are houses right on the road there so you have children and animals coming straight out on to the roads. It’s a situation where 30mph is too fast and you do get cars speeding along the roads."
She said Inver Community Council had put up "20's Plenty" signs and had seen some positive impact. Portmahomack also introduced them.
She added that while it is unlikely enforceable 20mph limits will be introduced, the "20's Plenty" signs have been shown to be beneficial.
The community council's plans sparked favourable reaction on social media. Kerry Vass said: “The 20 signs in Portmahomack definitely help.” Debbie Stewart added: “Good, there are a couple of folks round our end with a heavy foot.”
BHCC and councillors are now investigating way to raise the funds to incorporate "20’s Plenty" signs.
