THE new speed restrictions implemented across every Borders town and village have received a “mixed reaction”, according to a council report.

Published ahead of Thursday’s (December 10) Audit and Scrutiny Committee meeting, the report provides an update to members “on the 20mph experiment across settlements in the Scottish Borders”.

In one section, the report states that, “as expected there has been a mixed reaction to the widespread introduction of the 20mph schemes”.

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The report continues: “Some communities are warmly welcoming the trial, while others are unhappy over a lack of consultation at the outset.

“Some have reservations on the need for all streets to be included, and there have been a number of queries over justification, based on very few injury accidents and questions of over funding, even though the scheme is fully externally funded.

“It would appear that some drivers are also unsettled over the additional drive time, and conversely some pedestrians are happier with the change in driver behaviour.

“Some residents are finding noise disturbance reduced by slower moving vehicles.”

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The report also states that “early discussions” with local police sergeants indicate that there has not been a “spike in complaints over speeding or driver behaviour” since the limits were implemented.

It adds that “police are not surprised with the level of compliance so far”.

The restrictions were rolled out at the start of October as part of Scottish Borders Council’s Spaces for People safety project.

Alongside the 20mph limits, the trial includes 40mph zones, road closures and one-way systems.

Scottish Labour's transport spokesperson Colin Smyth, an MSP for the South of Scotland, said the scheme "should improve road safety for all residents".

He added: "Scottish Borders Council are leading the way by taking local action that will save lives, protecting pedestrians and drivers alike, that I hope others will follow.”

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