Councillors say legislation 'not fit for purpose' and hold out for 30mph speed limit between Bonar Bridge and Ardgay

Sutherland councillors are holding out for a 30mph speed limit restriction on the entire stretch of the A836 between Bonar Bridge and Ardgay, despite a review recommending otherwise.

Members of Sutherland County Committee discussed the issue at their meeting on Monday.

Campaigners have long lobbied for the speed limit on the mile-long straight stretch to be reduced from 60mph to 30mph.

However a report to councillors said that a 'blanket reduction' of the speed limit was "overwhelmingly" not supported by guidelines and a detailed analysis of the route and its usage.

Instead the review recommended that 270m of the route in question by covered by a 30mph restriction at the Bonar Bridge end with the remainder of it coming under a 50mph restriction.

This would mean the 30mph zone would extend as far as the Kyle of Sutherland Hub, used by young people.

Sutherland roads operation manager Joanne Sutherland said: "I am mindful that this is not what the communities requested but from officials' point of view, working within guidance, that is what we can achieve."

She said the relevant legislation dated back to 1984 since when times had changed with an increase in cycling and walking.

County committee chairman Cllr Richard Gale said he recognised the amount of work that had gone into the report but felt the 1984 legislation was not fit for purpose.

"I think we should be pushing for 30mph over the whole stretch," he said. "That is in the best interests of the community."

It was agreed not to proceed at present with the 30mph extension but to refer the issue to Highland Council's legal department to see if there were any other options. A further report is expected in time for the November committee meeting.

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