Borderers are being given the opportunity to respond to a statutory consultation on making 20mph speed limits permanent across the region, following a trial.
Consultation now open and details of the trial
The statutory consultation is open to allow members of the public to submit their comments, objections or support in writing to the Council for consideration.
The deadline has been extended until Friday 7 October following the recent postal strikes and the state funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The reduced speed limit was introduced to over 90 settlements across the region in October 2020 as part of the Spaces for People programme.
Run in conjunction with the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and Sustrans, the project’s aim was to encourage more active travel including walking and cycling throughout the Coronavirus pandemic and improve safety.
Since the introduction of the trial, Scottish Borders Council has been working with Transport Scotland on guidance for a national roll out of a new 20mph speed limit on appropriate roads across the whole of Scotland, which all local authorities will be required to introduce by 2025.
Councillors at Scottish Borders Council agreed to the permanent introduction of a 20mph speed limit in December last year and this consultation is the final part of the process.
Independent evaulation shows reducton in speeds
An independent academic evaluation of the project carried out by Edinburgh Napier University found that there was a significant reduction in speeds across the region, with average speeds across all settlements reducing by 3mph and in some instances by as much as 6mph.
An interactive online map shows the impact on speeds at survey locations across the region since the introduction of the trial.
Maps, plans and the project evaluation can also be found here www.scotborders.gov.uk/20mphplans
Submit your feedback
Comments, objections or support must be made in writing, including your name and address, to the following address: The Director of Finance and Corporate Governance, Council HQ, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0SA.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development and Maintenance:
“I think it’s clear and obvious the major benefits the 20mph trial has had, both in improving the safety for pedestrians within our towns and settlements and encouraging Borderers to lead healthier, more active lifestyles.
“Since the introduction of 20mph pilot we have seen a significant change in driver habits. Slower travelling cars means less potential for accidents and injuries and safer communities, and it would appear that a 20mph speed limit will be the norm across the whole country very shortly anyway.
“We understand that many people may think that motorists ignore the 20mph limits, however that cannot be justification for not having them in place.”