Overview

We asked if the public were in acceptance of a proposal to make the Uig School, Timsgarry (20mph Speed Limit) Order 2023. Following representations from residents, concerns have been raised regarding traffic speeds and the safety of pedestrians on the section of road adjacent to Uig School. The road is mainly single track with adjacent parking areas. There is no footpath along the frontage of the School or the Community Centre. Recent building works at Leana Ruadh have highlighted the need for a reduced speed limit with additional traffic travelling adjacent to the school without the restriction of a lower speed limit. Reduced speeds in this area will allow for a safer journey to school for children walking or cycling to school, from the nearby houses, and as parents pick up and drop off children at the start and end of the school day.

All schools throughout the Western Isles, except for Uig, have a 20mph speed limit adjacent to the school. Traffic Regulation Orders were made in 2006 and 2013 to introduce variable 20mph speed limits at schools. Uig School was not included in either of these Orders.  These speed limits are variable, becoming live as variable speed limit signs flash at certain times of the school day. The variable speed limit signs are now reaching the end of their life span as units require repair and to be replaced.

The proposal at Timsgarry will be a permanent 20mph speed limit with fixed signs. This means that the speed limit will always apply. This is similar to the 20mph at Castlebay Community School which has a fixed speed limit, not dependant on flashing lights. At present the national speed limit applies on this section of road.

The area covered by the proposal includes the Uig School, Uig Community Centre, the War Memorial and housing at Leana Ruadh and a section of Eireastadh.

The aim of this Order is to increase safety for pedestrians and road users in this area

Why we are consulting

Any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details in writing to Traffic-Orders@cne-siar.gov.uk or in hard copy to the Chief Executive, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Council Offices, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, HS1 2BW to be received no later than 4pm, Monday 22nd May 2023.

Objections should state the full name and address of the objector, the Order to which they relate and the grounds on which they are made.

What happens next

If the proposal is implemented following consultation this will be made into a Traffic Regulation Order, advertised and the road signage changed to suit.

Related

Access to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s IT system, including its website, have been affected by a Criminal Cyber Incident on 7 November and the some of the consultation details previously published cannot be accessed.