Expansion of 20mph Zones in Dumfries and Galloway
Plans have been proposed to extend trials of 20mph speed limit zones across Dumfries and Galloway, following a notable increase in roads where the limit has been reduced from 30mph over the past year. Dumfries and Galloway Council has identified additional locations where the 20mph limit will be implemented.
Drivers and residents have shared their views with BBC's Your Voice, expressing a range of opinions about the reduced speed limits. Some have criticized the zones as "ridiculous" and questioned their purpose, while others believe the zones help reduce accidents and improve survival rates in the event of collisions.
Current and Proposed 20mph Zones
Temporary 20mph limits were introduced last year on sections of the A75, A77, and A701, with new zones now being established along the A76. A council report indicated that monitoring has shown reduced average speeds in Stranraer, Annan, and Lockerbie. The report also outlined plans to extend the scheme to Newton Stewart/Minnigaff, Gretna, Kirkcudbright, Kirkconnel/Kelloholm, Moffat, Sanquhar, Lochmaben, Thornhill, and Eastriggs.
Villages such as Springholm and Crocketford on the A75 have already seen the introduction of 20mph zones.
Community Feedback
Derek Friend, aged 77, expressed skepticism about the lower speed limits, citing existing pelican crossings and a lack of pedestrian accidents.
"I feel there is no point in the lower speed limit as there were already pelican crossings and there had been no accidents involving pedestrians."
Gemma Fisher, a resident of Springholm, shared similar concerns.
"It's ridiculous, they've got traffic lights on either side of the village. It makes it more dangerous as you've got a big queue and you can't get out of the junction. I've heard people being impatient and overtaking in the 20s zone."
In Dumfries, Caroline Skimming highlighted issues with the A701 road between Dumfries and Moffat.
"It's a main road to Glasgow and within a couple of miles you go from 20mph to 30mph to 20mph - some of it's not even within housing areas. The police don't have the resources to police it anyway."
Conversely, David Fergusson of Locharbriggs supports the limits.
"There's less chance of accidents and, if you do hit somebody, there's more chance of them surviving."
He also noted driver frustration.
"A lot of folk just ignore it and some cars are going at 20mph and there are people behind them beeping, trying to hurry them up."
Trial Details and Government Support
The temporary 20mph limits, in place for 18 months, aim to enhance road safety and promote considerate driving. Transport Scotland cited research indicating that the 20mph limit significantly reduces the risk of serious injury in collisions.
Vehicle speeds will be monitored throughout the trial, and if successful, the limits will be made permanent. While Dumfries and Galloway Council is implementing the changes, the policy direction originates from the Scottish government, supported by evidence showing that a pedestrian struck at 30mph is seven times more likely to die than one struck at 20mph.
The council's assessments found that 75% of its 30mph roads meet Scottish government criteria for consideration of 20mph limits.
Existing Zones and Enforcement in the Region
All current zones are temporary unless otherwise stated.
In the neighbouring Scottish Borders, 20mph zones have been in place since 2020 and were made permanent in 2023. Police recently conducted enforcement in one area, resulting in eight drivers being reported to the procurator fiscal.
The local authority reported that the limits have achieved their intended outcomes, with road casualty figures improving and increased encouragement of active travel.
