A sweeping plan to make 20mph the new normal across Highland roads has passed its final hurdle, though not everyone is on board with the changes.
Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee today approved the last legal step needed to formalise the widespread rollout of reduced speed limits.
While many have welcomed the move as a big win for road safety, others have questioned whether the new limits go too far, particularly in more rural or open-road areas.
The scheme, which has been developed over several years, follows a mix of technical assessments and detailed conversations with councillors, Community Councils and the public.
Councillor Ken Gowans, who chairs the committee, said it marked a milestone moment for the Highlands.
“In 2022, we took the opportunity from Transport Scotland to lead the way on 20mph limits,” he said.
“This has been an enormous piece of work and I want to thank the public, community groups, councillors and our tireless Road Safety Team for helping shape it.”
The Highlands was selected as a pilot region for the Scottish Government’s plan to roll out 20mph limits more widely across the country.
That meant the Council could move faster than most, with the scheme entirely funded by Transport Scotland.
Speed counts were carried out at over 250 locations before and after the changes, and the results suggest a clear reduction in average speeds and road collisions.
Councillor Gowans called the data “very positive news” and pointed to other benefits too.
“The limits make it easier to drive safely, help people feel more secure when walking or cycling, and contribute to a calmer atmosphere in our towns and villages,” he said.
However, not everyone is convinced.
Some drivers feel the limits are too broad, especially in areas where traffic is already light or where roads are well suited to higher speeds.
In response to objections, the Council published detailed information on how decisions were made, and explained the thinking behind each zone.
The final phase of the rollout will now begin, with signs and roundels set to appear soon in areas including Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, Caithness and Sutherland.
Other areas will follow, and the Council says it will continue to monitor feedback and data as the scheme beds in.
In a region as vast and varied as the Highlands, the conversation around road safety is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
Details of the TRO can be found by visiting – https://www.highland.gov.uk/20mph
