In response to the pubic consultation we undertook we submitted the following response to Argyll and Bute Council in response to thier proposals:

Overall there is widespread support for the proposed changes to the speed limits in our community to increase road safety, particularly for children, cyclists and pedestrians. We had an excellent response to our consultation plus wider discussions within the community and at community council meetings and as part of the development of our Local Place Plan. Having discussed this at our March Community Council we have the following points:

• The overwhelming response from our consultations is for support for additional speed limits throughout the parish, broadly in line with the proposals from the council, with a few changes noted below. These proposals were :
  • A8003 south entrance to Tighnabruaich:
    60mph-40mph-30mph staggered at entrance to the village
  • A8003 school area 20mph e.g. from Kyles Court to B8000/Shore junction
  • 20mph limits on ‘side roads’ i.e. those not on main arterial A8000/B8000
  • B8000 northward 20mph zone approaching shops to RNLI base
  • Kames Shore road/back road – 20mph, 30mph limit to extend past Blairs Ferry
  • B8000 eastwards into Kames – NSL to stagger 60-mph-40mph-30mph on approach
  • B8000/unclassified road at Millhouse crossroads and Millhouse entrance – 30mph through area, again a potential staggered 60-40-30mph
  • From 60mph down to 40mph at Carry Farm, Kilfinan and Otter Ferry areas
• Generally there is concern that staggered speed limits could be confusing and could create excessive signage, distributing the character of the parish. Staggered speed limits may be appropriate on the approach to Tignabruaich from the north along the A8003. It was felt that staggered speed limits were not needed in other areas although there was some support for staggered speed limits coming into Millhouse (see below).
• Speed limits should generally be 20mph rather than 30mph including in Tighnabruaich, Millhouse, Carry Farm, Kilfinan and Otter Ferry.
• The speed limit coming into Tighnabruaich along the A8003 should begin before the entrance to the footpath/cycle path (‘The Green Lane).
• Renewing road markings are important as well as signage from new speed limits.
• The community in Millhouse has been campaigning for a speed limit for many years. The speed of traffic racing to and from the ferry, the number of houses, the village hall with limited visibility and the complex junction at Millhouse crossroads all add to the urgency of speed limits in this community. There are a number of views, but the rough consensus is that the speed limit in Millhouse should extend from Millhouse Cemetery along through Millhouse up the Portavadie road until passed the last house in Millhouse (half way up the hill) and from the Auchgoyle farm on the Ardlamont Road to passed Ard Mhor on the B8000. 20mph speed limits should be in place for most of this area, particularly round the crossroads and the village hall, with 30mph limits on the approaches. With sufficient signage further staggered speed limits may not be needed.
• To improve road safety there is also a need to invest in pavements, paths and the cycle network.
• There could be a need for a crossing point to allow safer access to the school.

Consultation Response

Below is a summary of the consultation responses, followed by all the comments received.

80% of respondents to our community survey supported the idea of additional speed limits in our community.

“I think the proposed changes would be extremely positive for our village. As a parent of three children, I find it terrifying how fast some cars drive past pedestrians and cyclists.”

“These are much needed. Especially the staggered limits. E.g. on entering the village on the A8003 a lot of traffic does not slow down until well passed the first few houses, which is significantly beyond the 30mph sign. “

“An excellent proposal. Vehicles travel far too quickly on these narrow and often single lane roads.”

“I think these speed limits should have been put in place many years ago .”

“Get these speed limits put in place asap!”

Many responds had further suggestions for further restrictions:

“Great progress. Would like to see the speeds lower further in busier, populated areas, especially around holiday parks where many children cycle and walk dogs on the B8000 road. “

“Speeds should be reduced to 20mph throughout the residential areas”

There were also suggestions for other measures that were needed:

“The absence of publicly adopted footpaths and potholes also add to the perils”

“Traffic calming measures will support cyclist and in particular young cyclists feel safe on the roads”

“Needs the give way repainting and better signage for it”

“People who break the speed limit are going to do it anyway, if there’s no enforcement or measures to effect reduction in the speed being done. “

Of those who didn’t support the idea of speed limits the main reasons were a belief that lower speed limits can cause accidents, that there haven’t been any fatalities so speed limits are not needed and that money would be better spent repairing potholes and that speed limits wouldn’t be enforced.

“20mph within village area is going to cause crash, as the speed is too slow.”

“Complete waste of tax payer funds, no pedestrian has ever been hit by a vehicle in these areas so no viable case to introduce further speed limits”

37 people responded to the online consultation. The comments submitted broadly match the discussions that we have had with members of the community. We are waiting for organisational response from a number of local organisations.