Speed limit change aims to slow down traffic in Tarbert

A new 20 mile per hour speed limit is to be introduced in central Tarbert, along with a reduction in speed limits on the approaches to the village.

The changes follow years of road safety campaigning from local groups and will bring the village in line with the Scottish Government’s national strategy to ensure all appropriate roads in built-up areas have a safer speed limit of 20mph.

At present, the only 20mph speed limits in Tarbert are variable limits next to the school, which only apply at certain times.

“The proposal in the next couple of months is that 20mph speed limits will be introduced within Tarbert, with 40mph and 30mph speed limits on the approaches to Tarbert from Ardhasaig, Urgha and Ceann Dibig,” said the council. “While looking at the extents of the new speed limit within Tarbert, a decision was taken to review the

existing limits entering Tarbert.”

The plans have been welcomed by parents, who have been calling for a change.

“Parents have had concerns about speed and the lack of care being taken in Tarbert for years, and there have been times when a serious accident was only narrowly avoided,” said Kathleen Duce, chair of the Sir E Scott School Parent Council.

“Along with Sir E Scott pupils, we have written to the council appealing for change and are grateful to have had local councillors’ support.

“While we absolutely welcome this action, there is much more to be done regarding road safety outside school, which is busy and potentially dangerous, particularly at pick-up and drop-off times.”

The speed limit changes will be introduced on a trial basis through an 18 month Temporary Traffic Regulation order.

If this is effective, a Traffic Regulation Order will make the speed limits permanent.

There are proposals for similar 20mph limit to be introduced in Leverburgh at a later date.