Lockerbie is the next town in Dumfries and Galloway to receive a temporary 20mph speed limit – starting on 26 July, ahead of the schools returning in August.
Following the decision at Communities Committee in December 2021, a target in the National Transport Strategy (NTS2) and feedback from the public, the scheme will assist in the development of a national strategy for 20mph speed limits across Scotland. To deliver safer roads, Transport Scotland has an aspirational target to ensure all appropriate roads in built-up areas will have a safer speed limit of 20mph by the end of 2025.
The National Strategy has an ambition to improve road safety and health outcomes, with additional consideration being given to active travel and climate change targets.
The introduction of the new speed limit aims to reduce perceptions of road danger, while encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle. It will also seek to encourage considerate and respectful driving within Lockerbie and create a safer experience for locals and visitors.
The scheme layout, that was designed in accordance with current national guidance and in consultation with local Councillors, will remain for an initial period of 18 months. Monitoring and evaluation information, including data supplied through traffic data surveys, will then be presented for appropriate council committee to seek approval for a permanent speed limit.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “Following on from the successful implementation of both Stranraer and Annan’s 20mph speed limit schemes, a 20mph limit for Lockerbie will not only reduce vehicle speeds and accidents, but also make the roads and streets more attractive and safer for active travel and vulnerable user groups.
“The Annan 20mph scheme has resulted in initial speed reductions of up to 20% at some survey sites. We aim to replicate this success in Lockerbie and encourage more people to reduce their speed and drive more considerately. Lowering traffic speed supports our local towns and villages to be places where people are free to travel in ways that are safe, sustainable, healthy and fair.”
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