Plans for 20mph areas published for final comment.

Proposals to introduce 20 mph speed limits in built up areas are out for public consultation.  

The draft traffic regulation order and associated plans are available on the Orkney Islands Council website and are also available to view at the Council Offices and the Warehouse Building from 14th August 2025 for a period of four weeks. 

This follows the Scottish Government asking all Councils to assess current 30mph areas and consider where a 20mph speed limit might be appropriate, as a means of helping to reduce injury on our roads. 

Funding is available from the Scottish Government up until the end of 2025 to fully cover the costs of implementing any changes including new speed limit signs. 

Plans were considered by the Council’s Development and Infrastructure committee in February this year and approved by Councillors for statutory and public consultation. 

With the statutory consultation completed, this public consultation is the final opportunity for people to view and comment on those updated plans. 

Corporate Director of Infrastructure and Organisational Development, Hayley Green, said: “We carried out a lot of public engagement before developing these final plans. Feedback from the online survey, drop-ins, and Community Councils were considered before arriving at the proposals you see today.  

“The plans have undergone the necessary statutory consultation with emergency and transport services, and are now being presented for public comment, which is the final stage in the consultation process we need to carry out. 

“Ultimately, we know that lower speed limits can help reduce the likelihood of serious accidents, and drastically reduce the severity of injuries. 

“Statistics show if you hit a pedestrian at 30mph, they’re seven times more likely to be killed than if you’d been travelling at 20mph - and this is of course a huge driver for government support for 20mph initiatives. 

“However it is for Councillors to consider the results of all the consultations and decide if they wish to proceed with introducing a reduction in speed as set out in these proposals, while there is funding to facilitate it. 

“It’s important to note this consultation is specifically about a reduction from 30mph areas to 20mph, which is what the Government is offering funding for. It’s a small reduction in speed with a huge potential to drastically reduce the severity of injuries on our roads.” 

Full details of the proposed 20mph areas can be found athe links below and will also be available to view from the Council Offices in School Place, Kirkwall, Kw151NY, and the Warehouse Buildings, 2-12 Victoria Street, Stromness, KW16 3AA 

Comments from members of the public must be submitted in writing to iod@orkney.gov.uk by 5pm on 12th September 2025.