Information Bulletin
17 August 2006
Part-Time 20 MPH Speed Limit at Whiteness School
A new speed limit is to be introduced on the main west side road at Whiteness Primary School. This limit, which comes into operation on the first day of the new school term in August, will require vehicles to reduce their speed to 20 mph as they pass the school. However, the lower limit will only operate at times when children are going to and from the school, reverting to the existing speed limit at other times.
The operating times for the 20 mph limit will be indicated by flashing amber signals on the combined warning and speed limit signs that have recently been installed. Drivers who regularly pass the school will already be aware of these signs. Drivers are now asked to pay particular attention for the flashing amber signals, especially in the morning for the start of the school day, at lunchtime and at the end of the school day when the 20 mph speed limit will be operating.
This new type of speed limit is part of a national initiative promoted by the Scottish Executive that is intended to reduce the number of children killed and injured on Scotland’s roads. The Executive has relaxed legislation and made funding available to local roads authorities in order to achieve their aim of making “20 mph speed limits the norm outside schools.” The then Transport Minister, Nicol Stephen stated at the launch of the initiative that “ the location of some schools, particularly in rural areas, is on busy main roads where the speed limit is often much higher than on a quieter suburban street. The guidance we have issued will ensure that 20 mph school safety zones can be introduced outside all schools in Scotland. Parents, teachers and pupils all want safer roads around our schools. We have listened to these concerns, particularly from our rural communities where fast moving traffic outside schools can be a real concern.”
Alistair Inkster, Chairman of the Road Safety Advisory Panel said “ I very much welcome this initiative which I am sure will contribute to safer roads for all and where better to do so than the roads adjacent to our schools. The 20mph speed limits being imposed is a significant step in the right direction and will hopefully lead to a reduction in accidents and the severity of these accidents. I look forward in due course to see the results of this project and I commend the Scottish Executive for their initiative in this regard and also the financial assistance provided by them. Well done Scottish Executive and well done Shetland Islands Council.”
Florence Grains, Member for Sandsting, Aithsting & Weisdale, said “I have been concerned about the speed of traffic past the school for quite some time, and therefore was delighted that this reduced speed limit will be in place for the start of the school term.”
The consultation process has begun for a number of other part-time 20 mph speed limits throughout Shetland. The next seven being considered are Brae, Ollaberry, Urafirth, Nesting, Sound, Scalloway and Cunningsburgh schools. We hope to get 20 mph speed limits implemented at some of those schools in the near future, and will then carry on to consider the remaining schools. The Council would again ask drivers to take care and make sure they observe these new limits when they are operating.
Ends