Councillors Consider Next Phase of 20mph Programme as Progress Continues Across Region

The report outlines significant progress made to date, plans for further schemes in 2026/27, and the region’s continuing commitment to supporting national ambitions to make streets safer and more people‑friendly.

The paper sets out the context of Scotland’s National Strategy for 20mph, which aims to ensure all appropriate roads in built‑up areas adopt a 20mph limit. Across Dumfries and Galloway, substantial work has already been completed to align with this national direction – including the delivery of permanent 20mph limits at all primary schools except Duncow, and the introduction of schemes in many of the region’s largest towns. 

The recommendations further highlight the next set of communities scheduled for the 2026/27 roll‑out, alongside proposed work on settlements located on timber transport and HGV routes.

The council’s 20mph schools programme concluded in 2025, enabling children and families across the region to benefit from safer routes to school. 

Attention has since moved to the communities programme, where temporary and permanent 20mph schemes have already been implemented in locations including Dumfries town centre, Stranraer, Annan, Lockerbie, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Langholm, Sanquhar, Thornhill, Heathhall/Locharbriggs and Kirkconnel/Kelloholm. 

Further schemes for areas such as Newton Stewart/Minnigaff, Gretna, Kirkcudbright, Moffat, Lochmaben and Eastriggs are in development for delivery in 2026/27. 

Monitoring carried out to date shows reductions in average speeds in all implemented locations where data has been analysed, supporting safer, calmer, more welcoming towns and villages for residents, visitors and active travel users.

Following concerns raised by elected members and communities, the council has progressed work to assess settlements on timber transport and HGV routes. Using traffic surveys, accident history and a range of community and environmental factors, officers are developing a priority list for future consideration of 20mph or other speed‑reduction measures in these areas. A further update will be brought to committee following full assessment.

Cllr Andy Ferguson, Chair of Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:

“Members are being asked to consider a report that shows just how far this programme has already come, and the rigorous assessment and partnership working that sits behind it. 

“These recommendations will strengthen oversight and support effective delivery as we move into the next phase. Importantly, this work continues to make our towns and villages safer, more accessible places for local residents.”

Cllr Tony Berretti, Vice‑Chair, said:

“Our communities have already seen the benefits where 20mph schemes are in place, from calmer streets to safer environments for walking, wheeling and cycling. The next stages of the programme – particularly the focus on settlements affected by HGV and timber traffic –will help ensure that residents right across Dumfries and Galloway are supported with measures that respond to local need and improve quality of life.”

You can read the full committee report and appendices at: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=624&MId=6491

 

(ENDS)