Town’s speed restriction welcomed

The A85 runs through the centre of Crieff, which is one of many places in Perth and Kinross to have temporary 20mph speed limits imposed.

The move has been welcomed by local campaigner Craig Finlay.

He said: “As someone who has been campaigning for a reduced speed limit through Crieff town centre, I warmly welcome the news and am delighted that it will now be rolled out.

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

“Crieff town centre will be a more pleasant place to spend money.”

However, Mr Finlay expressed his disappointment that the proposals do not extend to Crieff’s East High Street.

He added: “However, I was disappointed that 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.

“I’ll now have to continue to campaign for pedestrian crossing measures to be implemented in this busy area.”

The former chairman of Crieff Community Council had launched a petition towards the end of last year calling for increased safety measures on the town’s roads.

The petition, which received over 300 signatures, came after road safety concerns in the town were raised.

It also followed the death of an elderly man on its High Street, which campaigners say sees high volumes of fast-moving traffic.

Auchterarder, Alyth, Blairgowrie, Bridge of Earn, Comrie, Coupar Angus, Glenfarg, Kinross, Milnathort, Pitlochry, and Scone will also get new speed limits.

Abernyte, Butterstone, Kirkmichael, and Spittalfield are among the 29 villages affected.

The council says the reduced speed limits will be implemented “in the coming weeks”.

Craig Finlay on East High Street, Crieff.