Highland Council adoption of 20 mph speed reduction programme: FOI release

Information requested

1. All information pertaining to and setting out how the agreed 'criteria for assessment' were to be applied by the Highland Council - to include how proportionality was to be used in applying the criteria e.g. whether all, some or a minimum of the criteria were applicable in determining suitability for 20mph. (The content of FOI Release 202400394802 states as follows at P8 in respect of 'Annex A' (the Place Criteria): 'Any of the following place criteria will help to identify the 30mph roads which are appropriate for 20mph speed limits'.)

2. All information pertaining to and setting out the agreed and expected role (including Transport Scotland guidance) of community consultation and community participation (as distinct from public consultation/participation) in the early adoption process leading up to and including the making of the TRO to create permanency of reduced speed limits. To include information relating to the role of local communities in determining suitability of roads for speed reductions, evaluating trial outcomes and in programme decision-making as it affects community interests.

3. All information pertaining to and setting out the agreed process (including Transport Scotland guidance) to be applied by the Highland Council in carrying out assessment and evaluation of results (including road survey results) following implementation of the temporary reduced speed limit trials and in preparation for the RTO towards making permanent. To include information concerning assessment of trial outcomes and criteria to be applied, including that relating to encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle i.e. non-motorised forms of travel.

4. Transport Scotland's position in regard to the relevance and application of the contents (and guidance therein) of the document entitled 'The Implementation Guide for 20mph Speed Limits in Scotland' to the Highland Council's early adoption procedures.

5. All information pertaining to and documenting due regard for the Public Sector Equality Duty (The General Duty) as it applies in respect of the early adoption programme rollout, preparation for it and the resulting activities. For example, allied to the scale of the initiative and objectives aimed at encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle there is particular relevance in engagement/participation amongst those who, as a result of disability, use a wheelchair or mobility aid for travel purposes.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

The answer to your questions are included below.

1. The criteria was set by the 20 mph task group. However, it would be The Highland Council to determine the suitability of roads using local knowledge. The task group explored the most effective way of achieving 20 mph speed limits in Scotland and agreed that local authorities are best placed to make local decisions, based on their local knowledge and evidence, on where 20 mph speed limits should be implemented. This allows for the local circumstances of each road to be fully considered to ensure that the decisions which are made are most appropriate.

2. Legislation to default 30 mph roads to 20 mph was not progressed and therefore a national consultation was not required. The roads which are appropriate for a speed limit of 20 mph were identified by The Highland Council who are best placed to make local decisions, based on their local knowledge and evidence, on where 20 mph speed limits should be implemented. It would be the responsibility of The Highland Council to consult with their communities when implementing.

3. The monitoring and evaluation of any speed limit/speed management intervention is vital to determine whether it works. This is part of the 20mph Speed Limits in Scotland Implementation Guide. You may wish to contact The Highland Council on what evaluation has taken place.

4. The implementation guide for 20 mph speed limits is to be used as a guide for a consistent approach across 32 local authorities. However, each authority are able to determine which roads should be changed based on local knowledge.

5. The implementation of 20 mph speed limits on local roads is being carried out by respective local authorities with impact assessments carried out by each authority.

You may wish to contact The Highland Council at foi@highland.gov.uk who may be able to help you further.

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