Highland Council seeks public feedback on 20mph zones
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A public consultation on the Highland-wide 20mph limit programme has been launched.
Highland Council is looking for feedback from communities across the region where 125 settlements are included in the project.
It equates to 610km of roads, 590km of which are local authority roads.
This scheme is being fully funded by the Scottish Government which invited Highland Council to be an early adopter of 20mph limits.
Chairman of the Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, is encouraging people to take part in the public consultation as the 20mph programme moves to the next planned phase.
"We are now at the stage where it is very important that as many people as possible, either as individuals or through organisations and community groups, take the chance to let us know of any supporting comments or any suggestions they have for changes," he said.
Speed data collected so far shows good initial levels of reduction in speeds on roads with the new 20mph limits including Old Edinburgh Road and Stratherrick Road in Inverness.
Evidence also shows a reduction in speed along routes in more rural locations such as several roads in Carrbridge and the main road running through Kinlochewe.
Speed data results can be found on the council's 20mph programme page.
Cllr Gowans said early indications show a positive reduction in speed.
"By capturing feedback via our questionnaire, we will be able to fully assess the new limit in terms of support, suitability, requests for inclusion of other roads or settlements and removal on certain roads and of course ultimately how we can improve the programme prior to the full public consultation before the temporary traffic order becomes permanent," he said.
"We are keen to hear your views, so I hope as many people as possible take up this opportunity to pass on their comments.
"Local people know their areas best and we need to consider the views of as many people as possible."
The short on-line questionnaire includes an easy-to-use interactive street map
The 20mph speed limits on trunk roads (A9, A82, A835, A96, A95, A87, A86, A830) are the responsibility of Transport Scotland but people can pass on their comments by using the council’s on-line questionnaire.
The consultation will run until the end of January 2024.
The comments received will be collated and looked at in detail and will assist in developing the future of the 20mph programme and provide valuable feedback on the roll out to date.
