Some recently imposed speed limits in the Highland roads could be reverted back to their original limit of 30mph.
Councillors were presented with a report on Highland Council’s overall 20mph programme at meeting of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday.
The report provided an update on the new limits that were first rolled out in 125 settlements in the Summer and Autumn, with these including 11 sites in both Lochaber, and Skye and Lochalsh.
It included the consideration for reverting some roads or sections of road to 30mph speed limits, explaining that these changes could be based on road width, their use within certain communities, speed compliance and the thoughts of local residents.
Committee chair, councillor Ken Gowans said: “I welcome the update on this excellent approach to road safety in the Highlands and this paper lays clear (sic) that within the programme timetable we have all along included the potential for a small number of roads to revert to the original speed limit.
“Our approach of bringing the new limit in under a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order was done on the basis that this was to trial the new limits in our communities and where and when required this allows the limit to revert to the original limit.
“We welcome the feedback and engagement from communities whether it is positive or negative as it supports the decision making on future direction of the programme.
Councillor Gowans added: “The upcoming consultation will allow communities to provide further feedback on the 20mph programme and it will provide a platform for them to identify areas they feel support, wish to be included or reverted to the original limit.”
However, Highland Council has suggested that the speed limit changes back to 30mph would likely only apply to a small number of roads in the single digits.
It aims to use the six-week public consultation in December to assess the extent of the current scheme and gather public feedback on the 20mph speed limits.
The survey will allow communities to comment on roads they wish to see included in the scheme and whether they believe the new reduced limits are benefiting their community.
Highland Council also hopes that it will let communities look at whether they think it is appropriate to return certain roads to their original limit.
Councillor Gowans stressed that no decisions have yet been made and that none will be made until feedback from the public consultation has been analysed.