Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed it will be introducing permanent 20mph speed limits in built-up areas within its communities next month.

From Monday 22 September road users will have to lower their speeds on many routes previously covered by 30mph speed limits.

The decision 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.

Associated costs of the speed limit implementation programme are being covered by Transport Scotland.

Communities and the council’s six area committees were consulted during May and June on the proposals, with around 200 responses to the statutory consultation which were considered by councillors. In response to the feedback from the consultation, some roads will be retained at 30mph while officers have been tasked with looking again at introducing further 20mph limits in some areas where there is strong public desire to do so.

t is expected 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 pedestrian is involved in a road traffic collision with a vehicle travelling at 30mph they are seven times more likely to die than at 20mph. 

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.

Cllr Alan Turner, chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, 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.”

(Pic: Yay Images)