Drivers have been warned that hundreds of roads across North Ayrshire are set to see their speed limits reduced from 30mph to 20mph this month.
The changes announced by North Ayrshire Council will be rolled out in phases over the coming months, with more than 2,000 new signs scheduled for installation by March 2026.
The move follows a decision by North Ayrshire Council in June to implement the Scottish Government's vision for slower, safer streets in urban areas.
Transport Scotland, the national agency overseeing transport strategy, has been working with local authorities across the country to reduce speeds on suitable roads in villages, towns, and cities.
The central aim of the new limits is to enhance road safety. Research shows that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle travelling at 30mph is seven times more likely to die than one hit at 20mph.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, emphasised that "the need for lower speed limits on urban roads comes from concerns about road safety.
"Slower is safer. 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 initiative is also designed to improve the quality of life in local communities. By lowering speeds, the council hopes to encourage more walking, cycling, and wheeling, contributing to healthier lifestyles and a cleaner environment.
The council will begin putting up new 20mph signs from next week
| PA"The changes will also, hopefully, encourage more residents to walk, cycle, and wheel – which is good for our local environment," added Councillor Gurney.
The rollout will begin in the Springside area of Irvine, where 30mph signs will be replaced with 20mph signage between December 8 and 10. Other parts of Irvine are expected to follow between mid-December and mid-January, with further areas across North Ayrshire transitioning in subsequent phases.
Each local authority has the responsibility to decide which roads are suitable for the lower limit, while Transport Scotland is providing funding for new signs and working with councils to ensure trunk roads such as the A78, A737, and A738 are considered alongside local roads.
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Motorists can be fined £100 for driving over the 20mph limit | PAStatistics for 2022 highlight the urgency of the initiative: there were 2,201 casualties on Scottish roads with a 30mph speed limit, including 623 serious injuries and 31 fatalities.
By reducing speed limits, the council hopes to lower both the number and severity of collisions, making streets safer for all users.
While the introduction of 20mph zones may slightly increase bus journey times, the council has worked closely with local bus companies to ensure that services remain effective. The changes have been carefully planned to minimise disruption while maximising safety benefits.
To gauge the impact of the new limits, the council will carry out surveys across North Ayrshire over the coming months. Residents can also view an interactive map of roads affected by the changes on the council's website.
The 20mph speed limits will officially be in place across the city by March 2026 | PAOfficial council documents detailed: "The ambitions intended to be realised by lowering the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph on all appropriate roads are a reduction in road collisions and, should a collision occur, a reduction in the severity of that collision.
"Encourage a change in the way we travel for those shorter everyday journeys to reduce our carbon footprint and promote healthier lives. Improve our communities by lowering speeds in the places we live and grow."