Speed limits cut under scheme

Temporary speed reductions on roads will come into place in West Lothian as part of a new initiative.

West Lothian Council received £601,500 to fund their Spaces for People programme during the coronavirus pandemic.

The £10 million national Spaces for People programme offers funding and support to local authorities to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential trips and exercise during Covid-19.

The introduction of new temporary speed limits has commenced with 20mph speed limit signage being erected in towns and villages across

West Lothian. There have been around 200 small 20mph repeater speed limit signs erected in towns and villages and the larger 30mph terminal speed limit signage will also be changed to 20mph.

Whilst the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order for these works came into force on July 16, due to the scale of these works including the manufacture and delivery times of the signage, enforcement will not commence until the speed limit terminal signage is complete.

It is envisaged that this element of the Spaces for People programme will be completed by September 18 and Police Scotland have been advised of this.

Physical distancing signage in towns and villages has also commenced. These signs and banners will assist in reminding people of the importance of social distancing on public footways.

The towns completed to date are Addiewell, Stoneyburn, Bents, Fauldhouse, West Calder, Breich, Polbeth, Mid Calder, East Calder and Kirknewton.

A programme of delivery is currently being developed for the introduction of physical distancing measures at some of the more heavily used bus stops and narrow footways within towns.

These improvements will make it easier for the public to socially distance at bus stops and pinch points.