ANNAN drivers could soon have to slow down in town with a 20mph blanket speed limit hoped to be in place by the end of next month.
The Annandale Observer first broke the story in July last year. At the time it received a mixed reception with many supporting the existing 20mph limit in place near schools, but asking for evidence of previous collisions in the town which prompted a need to reduce the speed elsewhere.
Now the new policy is finally expected to come to fruition over a year later.
A temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be used for the first 18 months before the speed limit is made a permanent fixture.
A Dumfries and Galloway Council spokesperson this week said: “The Annan Temporary 20mph Speed Limit scheme is intended to reduce motor vehicle speeds through the town and in turn reduce the likelihood of collisions/accidents, road casualties and injury severity.
“This will create a safer environment for children, pedestrians and cyclists to get around the town while reducing anxiety and barriers for vulnerable and excluded groups.
“Reducing vehicle speeds in Annan is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council, local councillors and the community council.
“The scheme has been designed in accordance with Transport Scotland ‘National Strategy for 20mph’ Road assessment and place criteria guidance.
“Further to the completion of the detailed design stage, the scheme will be going out to tender in August 2023.
“Once a contractor has been appointed, an implementation programme can be produced for the temporary TRO process, communications and site works, with a target of late September for completion of works and an enforceable temporary 20mph speed limit.”
