WORK is underway to put 20mph speed limits in place in Bute and Cowal as part of Argyll and Bute Council’s ‘Project 20’.
The authority will put temporary traffic regulations orders in place in some Helensburgh and Lomond roads to begin the scheme, having reached agreement at its environment, development and infrastructure committee meeting last week.
It is now reported that a similar initiative is being lined up for Bute and Cowal, with engagement set to take place with local councillors and community councils.
The details are revealed in a report from the authority’s roads and infrastructure services department, which also updates on various works taking place across the administrative area.
The report said: “Argyll and Bute continues to progress with Project 20. In line with Scottish Government policy, we remain committed to creating safer streets and supporting walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday short journeys.
“Managing vehicle speeds is a key part of improving road safety, as higher speeds increase both the likelihood and severity of collisions.
“National policy – set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 and the Programme for Government – provides a clear direction to introduce 20mph speed limits where appropriate.
“This supports the vision of ‘Slower today for a safer tomorrow’, recognising that even small reductions in speed can significantly reduce the risk of fatal or serious injury.
“We are now beginning the assessment of the Bute and Cowal road network to identify where 20mph limits are suitable.
“While the starting presumption is that all existing 30mph roads will move to 20mph, we acknowledge that local circumstances vary. Community insight is therefore essential to ensuring that speed limits are appropriate and effective.
“As part of this next phase, we will be engaging with elected members and community council representatives to draw on their valuable local knowledge and help inform our developing design proposals.
“At this early stage, we are working closely with local officers and preparing our initial proposals for the area.”
The document added: “The team in Cowal have been focussing mainly on the replacement culvert at Ardmarnoch. The culvert had been collapsed for some time, which had led to ongoing flooding issues and damage to the road edging.
“To address this, the failed culvert has now been replaced with a double-piped culvert, improving drainage capacity and helping to protect the road structure from further erosion and deterioration.
“The team on Bute have been preparing the fountain on the Esplanade to have it operational again ahead of the season. Work has been ongoing on a culvert repair at Glenmore. Both areas have been carrying out pothole repairs across their network.”
