LONG-SUFFERING residents of Maybole are on the way to getting safer after a 20mph speed limit was imposed on traffic passing through the town.

Maybole, along with four other towns and villages in Scotland, has been included in a pilot scheme introduced by Transport Scotland following a study of traffic in the area.

Researchers looked at the number of accidents and other factors such as traffic volume and speed, as well as the number of heavy goods vehicles, and the characteristics of the route.

There have been a number of calls for lower speed limits, specifically 20mph, and Transport Scotland has identified which towns and villages across the trunk road network would benefit most from this type of road safety measure.

Stewart Leggett, operations manager with the organisation, which is the country’s national transport agency, said: “Safety is a priority for Transport Scotland and managing speed is an important part of our strategy. It is essential speed limits are appropriate to conditions and these pilot zones will help us establish the benefits of lowering speeds in towns villages, where it is reasonable to do so.

“This is the first of the five pilot sites which we expect to improve road safety generally while bringing specific benefits for vulnerable road users, such as older people and cyclists.

“We are pleased that the wider consultation process is now complete in Maybole and will now monitor the benefits it brings to the trunk road network.” The new limit, which came into effect on Monday, September 21, is part of the Scottish Government’s wider programme of action to improve road safety.

MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, Adam Ingram, said: “This is very welcome news for both road users and pedestrians in Maybole. Keeping the local community safe whilst ensuring an efficient road network for the area is very important and Transport Scotland have been engaging with the wider community to ensure the implementation of the speed limit is brought forward in a way that reflects local needs.

“By reducing speed on our roads we can create streets where the space is shared more equally between different road users and create a safer environment.” “Of course this initiative in no way undermines the need for a Maybole Bypass which remains an absolute priority for the local community.” Councillor John McDowall added: “Maybole has a narrow main street and this coupled with very high volumes of traffic means there are real concerns about road safety. I am sure that pedestrians and cyclists will appreciate the new speed restrictions and motorists should understand that the policy is to keep people safe.”