Drivers have been warned of new 20mph speed limits launching today across a region in Scotland, with thousands facing penalties.

Transport Scotland revealed that five communities across Argyll and Bute will see speed limits reduced along several trunk roads in Ardrishaig, Connel, Inveraray, Tarbert and Tarbet.

The measures form part of Scotland’s comprehensive road safety initiative, backed by a £48million investment for the current financial year. Transport Scotland announced the changes as construction work continues across the affected areas.

Local residents have already been observing the installation of signage and posts in preparation for the new restrictions.

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From today (November 7), the new speed limits have been unveiled, with drivers warned to follow the new rules or face a £100 fine as well as three penalty points.

The initiative represents a significant shift in road safety policy for Highland communities, where trunk roads currently permit higher speeds through populated areas with speed limits varying between 30mph and 60mph.

The speed restrictions will operate under Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders, which permit authorities to assess their effectiveness before making permanent changes.

The transport authority explained that these orders can remain in place for up to 18 months while monitoring and evaluation take place.

Two 20mph speed limit signs and a 20mph road | Source: PA

The decision to implement temporary measures reflects a cautious strategy, ensuring the changes deliver intended safety benefits before becoming permanent fixtures, Transport Scotland stated.

Each of the five communities will undergo individual assessment, with findings informing future decisions about whether to maintain the 20mph limits beyond the initial 18-month timeframe.

Preparatory work has been progressing throughout the affected communities, with contractors installing the necessary infrastructure for the new speed restrictions.

Transport Scotland has coordinated the simultaneous implementation across all five locations, ensuring consistency in the rollout.

20mph speed limit sign | Source: PA

The authority explained that the installation of physical infrastructure represented the final stage before enforcement begins.

Evidence supporting the speed reduction demonstrates stark differences in survival rates for pedestrian collisions. Data indicate that individuals struck at 20mph have a sevenfold greater chance of survival compared to impacts at 30mph.

This significant disparity in outcomes underpins the Scottish Government’s decision to expand 20mph zones across trunk roads.

The relationship between vehicle speed and pedestrian fatality rates has been extensively documented, with even modest reductions in speed producing substantial improvements in survivability.

A 20mph sign | Source: PA

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Road safety remains an absolute priority for the Scottish Government, and that is why we are investing a record £48million this financial year into road safety activity and programmes.

“One death is one too many, and I am focused on making our roads safer through Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030.”

The SNP MSP for Linlithgow identified speed reduction as crucial to this strategy, stating that reducing excessive speed is a “key focus of that work”.

She added that the new limits would make “it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys.”

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