An update from transport Scotland on 20 mph zones in Argyll and Bute Council

Introduction of 20 mph Speed Limits on Argyll and Bute Trunk Roads

Briefing Note: Introduction of 20 mph Speed Limits in Argyll and Bute

To: Elected Members – Argyll and Bute, Community Councils – Argyll and Bute
From: Transport Scotland
Date: October 2025
Subject: Implementation of 20 mph Speed Limits by Transport Scotland on trunk roads in Argyll and Bute

Overview

Transport Scotland, through its operating company BEAR Scotland Ltd., is implementing 20 mph speed limit schemes in several communities across Argyll and Bute. This initiative supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing casualties by introducing 20 mph limits on appropriate roads across Scotland by March 2026. This can be found on page 39 of this link: Programme for Government 2025 to 2026 – gov.scot.

Transport Scotland has worked closely with Argyll and Bute Council throughout the development of these schemes and has kept the Council informed at every stage of the process. While Transport Scotland’s preference was to implement the changes in coordination with the Council’s own programme, the timeline required a decision to proceed independently. Argyll and Bute Council is expected to follow with its own implementation in due course.

Introduction of 20 mph Speed Limits on Argyll and Bute Trunk Roads

Transport Scotland

Local Implementation

20 mph schemes are currently being implemented in the following locations:

• Ardrishaig
• Connel
• Inveraray
• Tarbert
• Tarbet

Construction is currently underway, and residents may notice signs and poles being installed in preparation for the new speed limits. These will remain covered until the limits come into effect.

The signs will be uncovered during the week of 7th November 2025, at which point the new speed limits will become active.

The legal mechanism for these changes is a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO), which will be formally ‘made’ and come into force on 7th November 2025.

TTROs are Scottish Statutory Instruments and will be published on Legislation.gov.uk when they are made.

The TTROs will only become active once the signs are uncovered.

TTROs involve consultation with statutory stakeholders, including:

• Police Scotland
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• Scottish Ambulance Service
• Local authority roads and transport teams
• Public transport operators
• Freight and haulage representatives
• National parks

Process and Evaluation

The introduction of 20 mph speed limits follows a structured process developed in partnership with local authorities and Police Scotland, using agreed assessment criteria to identify suitable roads—primarily those currently subject to 30 mph limits.

Key steps in the process include:

• Baseline speed surveys are conducted prior to implementation to establish existing traffic speeds.
• The 20 mph limits are introduced under TTROs for a maximum duration of 18 months.
• During this period, vehicle speeds are monitored to assess the effectiveness of the lower limit.
• Follow-up speed surveys are carried out to determine whether any mitigation measures or adjustments are needed.
• Feedback from stakeholders, including Police Scotland and the local community, will be considered as part of the evaluation.

If the 20 mph speed limit is deemed successful, a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order (PTRO) will be promoted. This process includes public consultation, during which residents and organisations can provide feedback before any permanent change is made.

A public consultation is a legal requirement to permanently change a speed limit with a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order.

Further Information

The Implementation Guide outlining the criteria and process is available here: The Implementation Guide for 20 mph Speed Limits in Scotland | Transport Scotland

Next Steps for Councillors

Councillors are encouraged to:

• Share this information with constituents.
• Support community engagement during the trial period.