Council does not support speed limit reduction

The council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said that reducing 60mph limits to 50mph on single carriage roads would affect the Highland economy as time-sensitive businesses would face supply chain problems and additional costs.

The committee also said that driver behaviour could be negatively impacted as road users experienced increased frustration or impatience, resulting in more aggressive driving and overtaking manoeuvres, as well as drivers potentially choosing to ignore speed limits. 

Whilst the proposal to reduce the single carriage limit will not be supported, the council said it will back a second idea to increase the limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight from 40mph to 50 mph on single carriageways, and from 50mph to 60mph on dual carriageways. 

Committee Chairman Councillor Ken Gowans welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the government’s review and asked for evidence saying reduced speed limits would not affect journey times.

“Considering the significant road network and the geographic spread of the Highland Council Area, we felt that these proposals to reduce the national speed limit could have a significant impact on the daily lives of people in terms of journey time. 

“We note from the consultation covering letter that prior to the consultation issue analysis from the review indicates that these speed limit changes maintain journey times and enhance journey time reliability. We would welcome sight of this analysis as it is particularly pertinent to the Highland Region, and of particular interest would be any analysis undertaken for rural areas.”

The government is currently seeking views on speed limits as part of its National Speed Management Review (link: consult.gov.scot/transport-scotland/national-speed-management-review/) which runs until March 5.

As part of the consultation Transport Scotland has recently held drop-in events in Ullapool and Inverness. A further event will be held in Portree Community Centre from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday February 20.