Lack of enforcement of 20mph limits in Highlands is ‘ridiculous’
Police Scotland’s ‘failure’ to enforce new 20mph speed limits in local communities in the wider Highlands has been described as ‘ridiculous’.
Highland Council introduced the temporary reduced limit - down from 30mph - in 125 communities as part of a Scottish Government funded pilot beginning in July 2023.
The local authority signalled its intent to make the reduced limit permanent at the end of last year with a six-months public consultation currently under way.
But Highland councillor Bill Lobban, Badenoch and Strathspey, has again highlighted what he believes is little to no enforcement of the 20mph limit by Police Scotland.
He told Lochaber-based area commander Chief Inspector Ross McCartney at the council’s latest area committee meeting: “I appreciate that it is not within the control of local police but the idea that we should not be reinforcing 20mph speed limits is just ridiculous and if you can pass that up the line yet again…
“This is something that has been decided upon nationally - wrongly in my opinion.”
Councillor Lobban also highlighted the ‘patchy’ attendance by police representatives at community council meetings and suggested a new approach.
He told the police boss: “I’ll be honest with you, I do not think we should expect police officers to attend every community council meeting.”
“I do not think it is required but what would be helpful is a very quick report given to community councils telling them what is going on in their own area.
“Some community councils get a police officer every single meeting and some have not seen one for five years.
“It is helpful if the community knows what is going on.”
Chief Inspector McCartney told the four ward councillors meeting in Kingussie that he would escalate both issues, adding: “Should community councils chairs feel they have not heard from a police officer in five years then please flag it to the local area inspector and we can look into that.”
Police Scotland has been contacted for a comment on the enforcement of 20mph limits.
