Hopes high that speed limit on A836 between Bonar Bridge and Ardgay could be reduced as local authority confirms it is under review
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A CONTENTIOUS speed limit on a Sutherland road is under review, it has been confirmed.
Highland Council has confirmed it is looking at the speed restriction on the straight section of the A836 running between Bonar Bridge and Ardgay.
The one-mile long stretch of road currently has a 60mph limit but campaigners want to see it taken down to 30mph.
A week-long speed survey on the route was undertaken earlier this year at the request of Police Scotland.
Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant wrote in July to Highland Council chief executive Donna Manson asking for an update of the situation.
But she only recently recently received a response from Tracey Urry, head of Roads and Transport.
Ms Urray wrote: “I refer to your email to the chief executive. Ms Mason has asked me to respond on her behalf. I apologise for the delay in replying to you...
“Following the results of the survey and representations from the community, Highland Council will be reviewing the current speed restriction on the A836 between Bonar and Ardgay.
Local residents have been lobbying for more than two years to persuade the roads authority to lower the speed restriction on the ‘Ardgay straight’ from 60mph to 30mph.
Managers of the Kyle of Sutherland Hub, which is situated off the section of road, have also voiced concern.
The calls for a reduction were given fresh impetus with the death at Christmas 2019 of pedestrian Rhona Macfarlane who was struck by a car on the route.
Both Creich Community Council and Ardgay and District Community Council are backing the lowering of the speed limit.
MP Jamie Stone, MSP Gail Ross and Highland councillors are also supporting a lower limit..
One concerned local resident said: “That bit of road is just used as an absolute speed track. Drivers do not adhere to the 60mph limit - instead some reach speeds of up to 80mph.
“What we want to see a 30mph zone as you come in from the Highland Council yard at Ardgay right through to Lairg Road and Dornoch Road.”
