The Highland Council has launched a public consultation for the Highland-wide 20mph roll-out project and is looking for feedback from communities.
125 Highland settlements are part of the project which equates to around 610km of roads across the Highlands, 590km of which are on local authority roads.
The 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.
He said: “Our 20mph programme is moving to the next planned phase which means we are launching a public consultation.
“We are now at the stage where it is important 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.”
A council spokesperson explained: “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 captured also shows a reduction in speed along routes in more rural locations such as a number of roads in Carrbridge and the main road running through Kinlochewe. Speed data results can be found on the council’s 20mph programme page.”
Councillor Gowans added: “Early indication shows a positive reduction in speed which is encouraging. 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, ultimately, how we can improve the programme prior to the full public consultation before the temporary traffic order becomes permanent.
“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 online questionnaire, at www.highland.gov.uk/20mphconsultation, includes an easy-to-use interactive street map which allows anyone using it to point out any specific areas where they wish to see change or provide comment on.
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 online 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.