Council chiefs are set to confirm a “20’s plenty” speed limit in the town centre despite residents giving it the thumbs down.
A new low level limit on vehicles was introduced temporarily in Dumfries at certain areas of the town, including the Whitesands, in a bid to curb speeding and also boost cycling and walking.
However, a survey by Dumfries and Galloway Council revealed that most of the residents questioned wanted to kick the scheme into touch and insisted the move had brought nothing positive to the town.
And more than 50 per cent of people interviewed reckoned it was a waste of time.
A temporary limit was introduced last year to encourage more walking and cycling. It is now set to be made permanent due to “compelling evidence” it has created a safer environment.
The limit was introduced in parts of Dumfries town centre on March 12, 2021, but a report said many people did not believe it would even be enforced.
Dozens of signs were put in place to mark out the zones and a report was prepared for the local Nithsdale area committee.
It found that in terms of reducing traffic speed through the town the mean speed at a range of sites had been cut by about 2mph.
In the majority of areas surveyed, however, that remained above the new 20mph limit.
The report suggested that one reason for the relatively small reduction in speeds was the perception that the limit would not be enforced.
The number of accidents in the area involved was also assessed to see if it had been affected. It remained unchanged at three in 2021 compared with 2019 – although two of them were less serious in nature.
Dozens of signs were put up to mark the areas covered by the limit.
A monitoring report on the number of cyclists and pedestrians produced mixed results.
It found a significant increase in bike usage last year compared with prior to the Covid pandemic but a fall in the number of walkers.
A survey of public opinion also concluded more people were unhappy with the changes than were happy with them.
It has recommended making the limit permanent to “deliver significant positive benefits” to the town centre.
