Proposals to reduce the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph might seem well-intentioned, but for the Highlands, this change could bring more harm than good.
The Highlands relies heavily on its road network, with single carriageways forming the backbone of connectivity between towns, villages, and remote areas.
A reduction in speed limits would increase journey times, making travel across this vast region even more challenging.
For locals and businesses who depend on these roads for daily commutes, deliveries, and services, the extra time spent on the road could have significant economic and personal costs.
Tourism, a vital industry for the Highlands, could also feel the impact.
Visitors often cover large distances to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes and attractions.
Slower travel times might deter them from venturing further afield, potentially reducing the economic benefits of tourism in more remote areas.
The argument for improved safety through lower speeds doesn’t fully consider the reality of road conditions in the Highlands.
Accidents here are often caused by poor weather and driver error, rather than speed alone.
A blanket reduction in speed limits might not address these underlying issues and could frustrate careful drivers, leading to riskier overtaking on roads that are already challenging to navigate.
There are also environmental concerns.
While reducing speed limits is touted as a way to cut emissions, this isn’t always the case.
Vehicles often operate less efficiently at lower speeds, especially on roads where gear changes are frequent, potentially increasing fuel consumption and emissions.
Motorcyclists, who are a significant part of the Highlands’ tourism and transport landscape, could face unnecessary restrictions.
Motorcycles are lighter and more agile, often posing less risk than cars, making a one-size-fits-all speed limit reduction less justifiable.
Rather than imposing a blanket reduction, a more targeted approach to road safety is needed, focusing on improving road maintenance, addressing dangerous junctions, and promoting driver education.
These measures would better serve the Highlands without the negative consequences of slower travel.
The Highlands deserves a road strategy that balances safety, efficiency, and the unique needs of the region’s communities and visitors.
A lower speed limit might have good intentions, but for the Highlands, it risks doing more harm than good.
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