New speed limit in place

LOCHARBRIGGS and Heathhall have a new 20 mile per hour speed limit, as the council continues its roll-out of the nation wide policy. The new temporary limit came into effect last Friday, with the aim of improving road safety and encourage active travel by encouraging more people to walk, wheel, and cycle. Approved by the council’s Communities Committee in 2021 and shaped by public feedback, will contribute to the development of a Scotland-wide 20 miles per hour strategy. It will remain in place for 18 months, during which traffic data will be monitored and evaluated, thereafter the findings will be presented to the councillors to consider making the speed limit permanent. Councillor Andy Ferguson, chair the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “A 20 mph speed limit for Locharbriggs and Heathhall will not only reduce vehicle speeds and collisions, but will also make the roads and streets more attractive and safer for active travel and vulnerable user groups. In many places, inappropriate speeds can make travel hazardous where people live, work and play – particularly for vulnerable road users such as children and elderly people.” Councillor Tony Berretti, vice-chair of the committee, added: “We hope that the new blanket 20mph limit in Locharbriggs and Heathhall will encourage more people to walk, cycle or wheel. Our local towns and villages should be places where people are free to travel in ways that are safe, sustainable, healthy and fair.”