Aberdeenshire Council launches public consultation around 20mph speed limit introduction
A local authority has launched the first stage of a region-wide consultation around the introduction of permanent 20mph speed limits in built-up areas.
Aberdeenshire residents and road users in Buchan, Formartine, Garioch and Kincardine and Mearns are the first to be invited to share their views on the proposed changes in their area, followed shortly after by those in Banff and Buchan and Marr.
The 21-day consultations form part of the statutory process for specific speed limit orders which would introduce widespread 20mph limits.
The move follows the Scottish Government’s commitment to see all appropriate roads in built-up areas having a safer speed limit of 20mph by the end of 2025. This national strategy seeks to introduce a consistency for 20mph speed limits across the country, simplifying speed limits for drivers.
The proposals aim to create safer and more consistent speed zones throughout the region, particularly in communities and built-up areas where lower speeds can significantly enhance safety and wellbeing.
It is hoped that the reduction of speed limits to 20mph will help make the north-east’s roads safer for all road users – with evidence showing that if a driver hits a pedestrian at 30mph they are seven times more likely to die than at 20mph.
Aberdeenshire Council said the change will also improve perceptions of road safety, encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle more, thereby improving health, road safety and promoting active travel – creating more pleasant areas in which to live.
Associated costs of the speed limit implementation programme are being fully covered by Transport Scotland.
Full details can be found at: https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/20-mph-in-aberdeenshire-towns-and-villages
The proposals for all areas will be available at Woodhill House in Aberdeen, while the following locations will have the plans for their local area: Peterhead and Fraserburgh service points and at the libraries in Aboyne, Alford, Banchory, Huntly, Kemnay, Inverurie, Westhill, Ellon, Turriff, Oldmeldrum, Mintlaw, Stonehaven, Portlethen, Laurencekirk and Banff.
Councillor Alan Turner, chairman of the council’s infrastructure services Committee (ISC), said: “We are committed to making Aberdeenshire’s streets safer while also encouraging more sustainable travel options benefiting public health and the north-east environment.
“The statistical analysis clearly demonstrates that a reduction in speed on those roads where people live, work and play makes those streets safer for all road users.
“The aim of the 20mph speed limits in our villages and towns is to reduce the likelihood of collisions and severity of injuries and also to encourage people to feel safer when walking, cycling or wheeling in their neighbourhood.”
ISC vice-chairwoman Councillor Isobel Davidson said: “We fully understand that there may be some road users who will be opposed to the implementation of these 20mph speed limits, and it is important that as many people as possible participate in our consultation.
“From the council’s perspective, we hope any actions we can take to protect people of all ages and abilities will be embraced to ensure that we safeguard our communities for many years to come.”
