Hopes of a 30mph speed limit between Bonar Bridge and Ardgay fall by the wayside
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Sutherland councillors are now pushing for a 40mph speed limit on the mile-long straight between Bonar Bridge and Ardgay after accepting that 30mph is unlikely to be achievable.
The two communities have been been lobbying for some time to reduce the 60mph speed restriction to 30mph on the A836 running between the villages.
But an initial report by Highland Council roads officials presented to Sutherland County Committee in August said the stretch of road did not fit the criteria set out in “guidance and legislation” for reducing speed limits.
Instead it was proposed that the 30mph limit be extended some 270 metres west from Bonar Bridge to take in the Kyle of Sutherland Hub, used by a large number of young people.
However, at that point members stuck to their guns and asked for a legal opinion to be obtained.
The issue came before the committee again at its virtual meeting this morning when members were told they could seek a Traffic Regulation Order for a blanket 30mph limit, but would need to provide a “robust statement of reasons”.
County committee chairman Richard Gale suggested a compromise solution would be to go with the suggested short 30mph extension and then introduce a 40mph restriction.
He said the relevant legislation dated back 25 years and was no longer fit for purpose with a greater volume of traffic on the route which was also being increasingly used by cyclists and pedestrians.
“While I understand a 30mph limit may be difficult, a 40mph limit is a reasonable compromise and I hope the two communities would be on board with that,” he said.
The council's head of infrastructure Colin Howell, who attended the meeting, said traffic calming measures such as speed humps and build-outs or would be required which would be costly. He added that his experience was such measures were unpopular with the public.
Cllr Gale’s amendment for a 40mph limit was seconded by Cllr Kirsteen Currie.
Roads officials are to return to the committee’s February meeting with a plan detailing the proposals for speed calming measures.
