Plea to extend 20mph zone

Calls have been made to extend a trial 20mph zone in a Perthshire town.

Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) is in the process of implementing temporary speed restrictions in 41 communities across the region as part of the £1.1million Spaces for People project, which supports active travel during the COVID-19 crisis.

Maps on the council’s website illustrate the area covered in Crieff as starting from near the junction of Leadenflower Street and East High Street and running through the centre of the Strath capital until Lodge Street meets Burrell Street.

James Square, King Street, Union Terrace and Comrie Street are also included.

But Strathearn ward councillor Stewart Donaldson said he felt there was a“strong case”for the area covered by the reduced limit to be extended and has raised the issue with PKC.

He said:“At this stage, it makes sense to include East High Street, and that part of Perth Road as far up as the British Legion and the Episcopal Church, and Houseproud on the other side of the road.

“That would also, of course, include the junction with Dollerie Terrace.

“Pavements at that part of East High Street are narrow on both sides of the road and can be busy.

Cllr Donaldson continued:“However,

I’m also conscious of the criteria that may have to apply with the Spaces for People programme.

“The need above all is to provide COVID-safe main streets and shopping areas, in particular for those who have been shielding.

“But it does also strike me that it is a measure that would be easy to implement.

“There is an existing speed calming sign at Houseproud.

“I would have thought there would be more than enough space there to also include a 20mph sign.”

Cllr Donaldson added:“At this stage there is a strong argument for that part of the East High Street and Perth Road being included and monitored on the same basis as the other current proposals for the rest of Crieff.”

Crieff resident Craig Finlay has regularly campaigned for road safety measures in the town.

He said:“Pedestrian safety will be improved and those feelings of anxiety when walking the narrow pavements will ease for many people.

“However, I was disappointed that part of East High Street has not been included in the proposal as there is strong local feeling that this area of town sees higher vehicle speeds than most.”

A spokesperson for the local authority said:“Funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Sustrans Scotland, Spaces for People is a temporary infrastructure programme offering funding and support to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for permitted journeys and exercise while physical distancing is in place during COVID-19 as we transition out of lockdown.

“Work to install road signs for the 20mph speed limits will begin in the coming weeks.”

The 20mph trial will last for three months.