New 20mph speed limits go live on September 22

Permanent new 20mph speed limits will be introduced in built-up areas across Aberdeenshire next month. From Monday, September 22, road users will have to lower their speeds on many routes previously covered by 30mph speed limits.

The decision follows the Scottish Government’s commitment to see all appropriate roads in built-up areas having a safer speed limit of 20mph by the end of 2025. This national strategy seeks to introduce a consistency for 20mph speed limits across the country, simplifying speed limits for drivers.

Associated costs of the speed limit implementation programme are being covered by Transport Scotland.

Communities and the council’s six area committees were consulted during May and June on the proposals, with around 200 responses to the statutory consultation which were considered by councillors. In response to the feedback from the consultation, some roads will be retained at 30mph while officers have been tasked with looking again at introducing further 20mph limits in some areas where there is strong public desire to do so.

It is expected that the reduction of speed limits to 20mph will help make the north-east’s roads safer for all road users – with evidence showing that if a pedestrian is involved in a road traffic collision with a vehicle travelling at 30mph they are seven times more likely to die than at 20mph. The change will also improve perceptions of road safety, encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle more, thereby improving health, road safety and promoting active travel – creating more pleasant areas in which to live.