Black Isle Committee approves new road speed restrictions for Culbokie

The introduction of new traffic calming measures designed to improve road safety and encourage walking, cycling and wheeling in Culbokie have taken a step forward.

A proposed traffic order, which includes the introduction of 20mph and 40mph speed limits in Culbokie was approved by members of The Highland Council’s Black Isle Committee Committee yesterday (15 November 2022).

The traffic order reflects the aims of the Culbokie Active Travel Scheme currently being progressed by the council with funding from Sustrans Ltd.

The aims of the scheme are to address speeding traffic through the village and to address traffic safety concerns from pedestrians and cyclists and to encourage more active travel options.

The 40 mph speed limit is required to reduce speeds from the 60 mph national speed limit down to the proposed 20mph speed limit.

Formal speed limits need to be supported by a Road Traffic Regulation Order and yesterday's approval by members now means the whole package of road safety measures will be presented to the Sustrans Funding Panel Review when they meet next month.

As part of the process Highland Council received and considered comments about the new measures and these were presented to local councillors as part of the report.

 Chair of the Committee, Cllr Lyndsey Johnston said: “Culbokie is a thriving and busy village, and this speed limit reduction will make travelling in the area safer for all, especially children.  At a time when we are encouraging more people of all ages to walk and cycle rather than drive, it is important that we do all we can to make active travel for everyone as safe as possible."

“Having a reduced speed through the village, along with other safety measures, will make a big difference so we look forward to the full Active Travel Scheme being introduced.”

She added: “I would like to thank everyone for their involvement, especially the Culbokie Community Trust.”