North Ayrshire Conservative group rail against 20mph zone plans
Angry Tories have 'called in' controversial plans agreed by North Ayrshire Council to implement the controversial 20mph speed limit on urban roads.
They suggest it will dilute police and council resources and adversely affect public transport efficiency.
North Ayrshire Council Cabinet earlier this month noted the Scottish Government's National Strategy for 20mph in Urban areas and agreed the implementation of 20mph speed limits on appropriate roads as detailed in the implementation plans.
A request was received in terms of the call-in procedure set out in the council's Scheme of Administration and Standing Orders, that the Audit and Scrutiny Committee examine the decision taken by the Cabinet at their meeting next Thursday, June 19.
The call-in request, which was signed by Conservative councillors Todd Ferguson, Scott Gallacher and Ronnie Stalker is in the following terms: 'The Scottish Government's National 20mph Strategy is aspirational in tone but experimental in scope. While well-intentioned, its widespread implementation lacks sufficient evidence of efficacy, especially on roads already exhibiting average speeds below 25mph.
'This policy, if adopted without amendment, risks diluting police and Council resources, adversely affecting public transport efficiency, and imposing unjustifiable burdens on the public purse—contrary to the financial prudence owed to North Ayrshire's taxpayers.
'The strategy also raises legitimate legal and democratic concerns regarding adequacy of consultation, particularly among working residents, rural communities, and small business owners who will bear the practical consequences of slower road speeds and delayed logistics.
'As a matter of public administration, the council must guard against overreach in regulatory intervention without evidence-based justification and must uphold the principle of proportionality, particularly when imposing restrictions on public freedoms.
'The Conservative Group respectfully calls upon Cabinet to:
Suspend the blanket implementation of the 20mph speed limit across all roads identified in Appendix 1, pending the outcome of a full review of cost-effectiveness, enforceability, and public consultation.
Commission an independent impact assessment, consistent with principles of Best Value as defined in the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, before any further capital expenditure is incurred.
Adopt a targeted and proportionate approach, taking into account the feedback from the public consultation referenced above and elected members, with 20mph zones restricted to locations supported by empirical safety data—such as near schools, care facilities, or recorded accident black spots.'
The Elected Members who have submitted the call-in will be invited to address the Committee to explain the respective call-in request.
The appropriate Cabinet Member will then be invited to clarify the reasons for the decision. The relevant senior officer will also be present to provide information on the report presented to Cabinet and on issues raised by the call-in received.
The committee will have an opportunity to ask questions of both parties and of those officers in attendance.
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