A significant authority has stated that, in an effort to increase road safety throughout the area, it will permanently enforce 20 mph speed limits starting next week.

Highland Council announced that reduced speed restrictions will be formally implemented on January 6 and that drivers will be cautioned to follow the new regulations.

Following temporary procedures that had been in effect since July 2023 and were set to expire on January 31, 2025, the action was taken.

After recognising the necessity of reducing speeds throughout the area and emphasising the effect on traffic fatalities, the council chose to prolong the measures for an additional six months.

The council stated: "The order came into force on Monday, July 31, 2023 and was due to expire on Friday, January 31. 2025. The council sought and has received a direction from the Scottish Ministers... that the order shall continue in force for a further period of six months until July 31, 2025.

"The council’s scheme went live in July 2023 with temporary 20mph speed restrictions in locations spread across the Highlands. In the meantime, the current temporary order has been extended to July to allow time for the consultation."

It also noted that a report will be presented to a meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in May on the progress of the 20mph limits.

In the latest Road Safety Plan to 2030, the council explained that lower speeds form part of wider plans to deliver “effective and safer” travel for drivers and pedestrians.

The report noted: "We are all road users; as pedestrians, cyclists, riders, drivers or passengers, road safety issues affect us all. Collisions on our roads can have a devastating impact on the lives of individuals, friends, families, and communities.

"We are all too aware that behind every statistic there is pain, suffering and loss felt when someone is killed or seriously injured, these points simply cannot be measured."

Under UK law, drivers can be slapped with a £100 fine and three penalty points for breaking the 20mph limit.

However, the move has been met with mixed views from local residents with some calling the permanent measures “a complete JOKE”.

Taking to social media, one driver said: "Don't get me wrong where there are schools nurseries and care homes, then yes keep the 20mph. But as for the rest scrap it."

Another person acknowledged that while most of the 20mph limit roads are “brilliant” on some roads, limits on larger roads “are stupid and should be put back to 30mph” citing how “one size doesn't fit all”.

A third driver claimed that 20mph limits are a “complete and utter waste of time” with speed bumps damaging car suspensions.

“If it is about pollution, high polluting cars will be longer in the village, town or city, it would also appear that cyclists don't adhere to speed limits or traffic lights,” they added.

The council noted that while the 20mph limits were originally reserved around schools and self-enclosed residential areas, “over time, experience has meant a shift to a wider rollout as they result in greater compliance due to less confusion over speed limits”.