Trial of 20mph speed limits on trunk roads to boost safety

Temporary 20mph limits are to be put in place on trunk roads across south west Scotland over the next three weeks.

Transport Scotland said the move was aimed at improving road safety and encouraging active travel.

The first limits will come into effect on 28 November on the A75 at Springholm, A77 at Cairnryan and the A701 at Locharbriggs and Heathhall.

Limits will then come into force on the A75 and A77 at Stranraer and the A75 at Crocketford on 15 December.

The limits will be in place for up to 18 months and their impact will be monitored before a decision is made on whether to make them permanent.

Transport Scotland said some sign posts had been put up before the limits came into force, but they had been temporarily obscured.

It said it was part of a wider initiative - working with Dumfries and Galloway Council - to make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

It said the move in Stranraer would bring the trunk roads into line with other local roads in the town "ensuring consistency across the network".

However, in Crocketford the limit will apply only to the trunk road.

Transport Scotland said research had shown that the 20mph limit significantly lowered the risk of serious injury in collisions.

It said the likelihood of survival for a pedestrian struck by a car was seven times higher than at 30mph.

Vehicle speeds will be monitored throughout the temporary limits to assess their effectiveness.

Feedback from the community and police will also be considered as part of the evaluation process.

If the 20mph speed limit is deemed successful, steps will be taken to make it permanent and that process would include public consultation.