Highland Council has launched a five-week statutory consultation on making the region-wide 20mph scheme permanent through the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
The scheme originally went live in July 2023 with temporary 20mph speed restrictions introduced in over 100 settlements across the region.
Any comments or objections to the proposals must be made in writing and must specify the grounds of objection on or before 10 February, 2025. That can be done by email – 20mph@highland.gov.uk or by post to: Road Safety Team, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.
All location maps providing details of the developments and where 20mph limits have been put in place can be viewed online here while a copy of the full TRO is available to view at all Highland Service Points.
As early adopters, all costs of the roll out to the 20mph scheme will be fully funded by the government. That includes post-implementation speed surveys, evaluation, and work on the effectiveness of the design and permanency of the reduced limits.
Earlier, Transport Scotland granted a six-month extension to the temporary TRO, which will now run until July 2025. A report will be presented to a meeting of the economy and infrastructure committee in May for a decision by councillors on making the Traffic Regulation Order permanent.
A 20mph limit is known to dramatically reduce the likelihood that a collision with a pedestrian will be fatal, and advocates say they are proven to save lives.
Others claim it is a “waste of money” that has not cut speeds by as much as hoped and will have a considerable impact on the economy, particularly in rural areas.
The chairman of the economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “We are entering the final stage of the Highland-wide 20mph scheme. We remain committed to making our streets safer and to enabling more sustainable travel choices that benefit public health and the environment.
“Research has shown that a reduction in speed on the roads where people live, work and play, makes our streets safer for all road users, supports and encourages more active travel and reduces the likelihood of collisions and severity of injuries.
“This formal consultation allows the public to have their say on the 20mph limits that have been put in place in their communities.”