20mph speed limit trial to start soon in Mauchline and New Cumnock

The local schemes, being implemented by Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA), complement work that has almost been completed by Transport Scotland in partnership with ARA across the trunk road network to reduce the speed limit to 20mph. The speed limit reduction is due to start on local roads in New Cumnock on 6 March and Mauchline on 13 March, the same dates that the A76 schemes go live near these areas.

As construction on the trunk road and local schemes is currently underway, residents may notice signs and poles being installed in preparation for the new speed limits. These will remain obscured until the new speed limits come into effect. A 20mph scheme was also implemented at the end of last week in Crookedholm.

All of these plans align with the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Framework to 2030, which aims to make Scotland’s roads the safest in the world.

Research shows that the average person is seven times more likely to die if they are hit by a vehicle driven at 30mph than they are at 20mph. 20mph schemes reduce speed and the risk of collisions occurring by providing more time for a driver to react to unexpected events. If a collision does occur at 20mph, the risk of causing death or severe injury inside and outside the vehicle is reduced.

On top of the obvious road safety benefits, the lowering of speed limits can also have a significant influence on other community wellbeing areas. This includes environmental benefits through slower and calmer driving which reduces emission rates and noise levels, as well as people being more likely to use more active forms of travel due to a reduced perception of road danger.

Results from other Scottish local authorities, including Edinburgh, have found that a reduction of not only speed, but road traffic collisions were achieved through 20mph schemes. Closer to home, ARA has already progressed a programme of 20mph schemes across various areas in South Ayrshire. Surveys carried out before and after implementation have shown a significant reduction in speeds, particularly where the measures have been supported by physical traffic calming installations.

If successful, the schemes in Mauchline and New Cumnock will pave the way for similar initiatives in other areas of East Ayrshire. The trials will be monitored through automated traffic surveys at various locations before and after implementation.

Members of the public will be invited to share their views and feedback through the normal channels used for consulting on a Traffic Regulation Order. All feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of the statutory process.

Funding for the implementation of the local roads scheme has come from Transport Scotland.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities, said: “With Transport Scotland’s 20mph trunk road schemes now almost ready to begin, we will also be introducing lowered speed limits on the local roads in Mauchline and New Cumnock during the first half of March.

“This is part of a national initiative that involves 20mph schemes being put in place all over the country to make communities safer, healthier and more welcoming for everyone. Reduced speeds reduce the risk and severity of accidents, and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle on our streets.

“Introducing the local schemes in tandem with the trunk road speed limits will help to ensure a more consistent approach across the areas involved, and I look forward to seeing the results of the trials.”

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