Hundreds of North Ayrshire roads to move to 20mph limit this month

Hundreds of roads across North Ayrshire will begin switching to a 20mph speed limit later this month as part of a national effort to improve road safety.

Councillor Tony Gurney

The change follows the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for 20mph in Urban Areas, noted by Cabinet in June, which supports reducing speeds on suitable village, town and city roads from 30mph to 20mph. Transport Scotland is leading the nationwide rollout.

Evidence behind the move highlights that when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian at 30mph, the person is seven times more likely to die than at 20mph.

More than 2000 new signs will be installed across North Ayrshire between now and March 2026 as the lower limit is phased in. The first changes will take place in Springside between 8 and 10 December, with further Irvine neighbourhoods expected to follow from mid-December into mid-January. Other areas will be introduced in stages.

The government’s vision for the programme is “Slower today for a safer tomorrow.” The strategy aims to cut the number and severity of collisions, create safer spaces for all road users, encourage more active travel for short journeys and improve communities by lowering speeds in residential areas.

Statistics from 2022 show 2201 casualties on Scottish roads with a 30mph limit, including 623 serious injuries and 31 fatalities.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “The change to 20mph will be introduced in phases, town by town. The need for lower speed limits on urban roads comes from concerns about road safety.

“Slower is safer. If you are driving and hit someone at 30mph, they’re seven times more likely to die than at 20mph.”

“The aim is to create safe roads for all users – pedestrians, cyclists, wheelers and motorists – and also to reduce the risk of serious injuries on the rare occasion that an accident happens.

“The changes will also, hopefully, encourage more residents to walk, cycle and wheel – which is good for our local environment.”

Local authorities across Scotland will determine which 30mph roads are suitable for conversion. Transport Scotland is funding the required signage and is working with councils to ensure trunk roads such as the A78, A737 and A738 receive the same consideration.

Surveys will be carried out to gauge the impact of the changes. Bus companies were consulted during the planning process to ensure journey times and routes are not adversely affected.