20mph speed limits to be trialled in Mauchline, New Cumnock, Kilmaurs and Crookedholm

The plans tie in with work being progressed by Transport Scotland across the trunk road network to reduce the speed limit to 20mph on the A76 through Mauchline and New Cumnock, with work on this due to start at the end of the year.

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, New Cumnock, Kilmaurs and Crookedholm 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 also be asked for their views through online surveys and all data and feedback will be collated to determine how effective the trials have been. This will help to inform a future Cabinet paper which will discuss whether the initiative can and should be extended across East Ayrshire.

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

Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities, said: “With Transport Scotland already progressing its proposals for the A76 through Mauchline and New Cumnock, it is keen to complement this work in partnership with ARA by lowering the speed limits on the local roads.

“In addition to Mauchline and New Cumnock, analysis has shown us that trialling 20mph speed limits within Kilmaurs and Crookedholm would be a worthwhile exercise as well.

“Introducing 20mph limits on our local roads is about making our 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. By introducing these schemes, we’re taking a positive first step that will benefit residents of all ages and I look forward to seeing the results of the trials.”

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