Drivers have been warned of new 20mph speed limits coming into effect in a matter of weeks across a major UK region as part of ambitious safety plans.
Aberdeenshire Council revealed it will begin enforcing new 20mph speed restrictions across numerous built-up areas from Monday, September 22.
The changes will affect many routes currently operating with 30mph limits throughout Aberdeenshire's towns and villages, though the measures do not apply to Aberdeen city itself.
This initiative forms part of Scotland's broader commitment to establish 20mph as the standard speed restriction in appropriate built-up zones by the close of 2025.
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New enforcement of 20mph speed limits will begin on Monday, September 22
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Transport Scotland is said to be funding the implementation costs for this nationwide programme, which aims to create uniform speed restrictions across Scottish communities.
The rollout follows extensive public engagement conducted through May and June, during which residents and six area committees provided input on the proposed changes.
Council officials received approximately 200 submissions during the statutory consultation period, prompting several modifications to the initial plans.
Based on community feedback, certain routes will maintain their existing 30mph restrictions, while council officers have been instructed to reassess additional areas where residents strongly support lower speed limits.
The council hopes the change in speed limit will encourage more walking and cycling
| PAThe Scottish Government's national approach aims to simplify driving regulations by establishing consistent speed restrictions throughout the country's urban areas.
The September deadline aligns with the Government's target of implementing appropriate 20mph zones across all suitable built-up areas within the next few months.
The need for lower speed limits was highlighted during the consultation process, which revealed strong public interest in road safety improvements.
Evidence presented to decision-makers highlighted that pedestrians struck by vehicles travelling at 30mph face seven times greater risk of death compared to impacts at 20mph.
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Statistics from 2022 also revealed that 69 per cent of pedestrian casualties and 54 per cent of cyclist injuries occurred on Scottish roads with 30mph restrictions.
The data showed that a third of motorcyclist casualties and 30 per cent of car occupant injuries happened on these same roads.
Councillor Alan Turner 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.
"Any actions we can take to protect people of all ages and abilities should be embraced to ensure that we safeguard our communities for many years to come."
20mph speed limits have faced divided opinions among drivers | PAPolice Scotland will reportedly retain responsibility for enforcing the new restrictions with drivers warned of £100 fines as well as three penalty points for breaking the speed limit.
The speed limit changes are also expected to encourage more walking, cycling and public transport use.
Despite this, Duncan Massey, Reform Councillor for Lower Deeside in Aberdeen, shared on X: "Really disappointing that these 20mph limits have been pushed through by the SNP. A lot of very busy and unsuitable roads are included, which, once the signs go up, will absolutely baffle drivers.
"Really, it is just more anti-car measures from an anti-car SNP Gov and Council. The whole process, just in Aberdeen, is going to cost nearly £2million."