New 20mph speed limits to be introduced into a second village in strath
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Carrbridge is to become the second community in the strath to have 20mph speed limits in force on its roads.
But the plan will go one-step further than Aviemore with an expected village-wide reduction by early summer.
A group of residents is working with regional transport body HITRANS, Highland Council and the village's community council to implement the cut from 30mph.
Associated work will include road narrowing and build-outs to help slow traffic and increase adherence to the new 20mph speed limits.
Carrbridge James Bracher started the village's 20’s Plenty campaign and said: “As a father of two young boys who love to ride their bikes around our village, I have noticed that our village lacks the basic road safety measures to help keep them safe.
"The more I’ve worked on this campaign, the more convinced I’ve become that a 20mph limit would make Carrbridge a safer, healthier, greener and quieter place to live.
"It will be better for people’s quality of life – and therefore better for our community as a whole."
Badenoch and Strathspey Highland councillor Bill Lobban said the benefits to road safety provided by the introduction of 20mph limits is undeniable.
He said: "It is really good to see that Carrbridge is to become the next place to support Highland Council's decision to introduce reduced limits all over the strath.
"The local community group supported by council roads engineers and with funding from HITRANS have been very quick to support these new limits.
"Hopefully other communities will appreciate the safety benefits and follow suit."
Supporter have said reducing traffic speed in the village was identified as a top priotiry by residents in the 'Big Conversation' hosted by Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey in 2016.
Like in Aviemore, the new 20mph limit will be put in place for a trial period of 18 months during which time a public consultation will be held to assess residents’ desire to make the limit a permanent change.
Vikki Trelfer, active travel officer at HITRANS, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Carrbridge community with funding for a temporary 20mph limit.
"The positive impact that these limits can have on active travel and community cohesion are important elements for residents at this current time.
"It’s really positive to be working with residents of Carrbridge to facilitate the implementation and promote the benefits to all residents."
It may be that the new limit only partially covers Inverness Road (part of the A938) within the village boundaries.
New 20mph limits came into force in Aviemore just before Christmas but some 30mph zones remain including on parts of Grampian Road.
