20MPH speed changes are being implemented

As many colleagues will already be aware, the speed limit on hundreds of roads across North Ayrshire has started to change to 20mph.

You may have already noticed contractors changing signage in your neighbourhood.

This is part of a national drive by the Scottish Government to reduce speed limits on certain roads.

Transport Scotland, the national agency that delivers the Scottish Government's vision for transport, wants to reduce speeds on suitable roads in villages, towns and cities across the country from the current 30mph limit to 20mph.

The driving force behind the change is to improve safety – with research showing when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian at 30mph, they are seven times more likely to die than at 20mph.

Road users here in North Ayrshire will see more than 2000 signs being installed between now and March as we introduce the lower speed limit locally.

To ensure that drivers are aware, the changes have been advertised in the local media, on the Council’s corporate social media channels, on local radio stations and on the sides of our bin lorries.

Our Roads team, in Neighbourhood Services, has created an interactive map of local roads that are part of the changes – with further information - on the Council website. Just go to the home page and search for “Speed Limits In North Ayrshire”.

Through Scotland’s National 20mph Strategy, the government’s vision is “Slower today for a safer tomorrow”.

Statistics for 2022, show there were 2201 casualties on Scottish roads with a speed limit of 30 mph. Of these, 623 people were seriously injured and there were 31 fatalities.

Across Scotland, each local authority will decide which 30mph roads should become 20mph.

Transport Scotland is funding the new signage that is required and is working with councils to ensure the trunk road network running through communities - the A78, A737 and A738 in North Ayrshire - is subject to the same consideration as local roads.

Remember, to find out more, head to our dedicated web page.

Published February 12, 2026