40mph speed limit planned for A9 roundabout accident blackspot
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One of the region's busiest roundabouts and notorious accident blackspots looks set for a much reduced speed limit under plans by Transport Scotland.
The Scottish Government agency is looking to introduce a 40mph limit on the A9 and A835 trunk road approaches to the Tore Roundabout on the Black Isle.
Speed restrictions on the trunk road approaches to the roundabout are currently a mixture of 70mph and 60mph limits.
The move comes amid ongoing concerns over motorist and pedestrian safety at the roundabout, which brings several very busy roads together and is notorious for accidents. It also has bus stops and pedestrian crossings immediately before or after the junction.
Transport Scotland has confirmed it is exploring a reduced 40mph limit after launching an online public consultation into the measures.
People have until March 8 to air their views, with Transport Scotland then making a final decision. It is not known how soon after consultation closes that motorists could expect to see a potentially reduced limit come into force. The agency has been approached for comment.
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If approved the reduced 40mph limits on the A9's north and southbound approaches to the roundabout would extend for a combined distance of just over a kilometre – from a point roughly 200 metres north of the U2585 Killen/Belmaduthy turn-off to a point 264 metres south of Tore's Bogroy Road. A 675 metre stretch of the A835's approach to the roundabout would also be reduced to 40mph.
It is not known if Highland Council is exploring further reductions on locally-maintained roads that also join the roundabout – the A832 Muir of Ord and A832 Tore/Munlochy road. It has been approached for comment.
For more information about the proposals, and to have a say on the consultation, visit www.transport.gov.scot/road-order/the-a9-and-a835-trunk-roads-tore-40mph-speed-limit-order-2024/.
