Transport Scotland have told Fairlie campaigners that a 20 miles per hour limit in the village would not change driver behaviour.

The Fairlie Safer Roads group submitted a 500+ petition, supported by North Ayrshire Council, to the roads authority to try and bring about a reduction in the speed limit on the A78.

However, George Henry, safety officer for Transport Scotland, has said that new traffic light which will turn to red if a vehicle is speeding will be a more effective deterrent.

Mr Henry said: “I don’t think the introduction of a 20 mile per hour limit in Fairlie is going to change driver behaviour. We have got to adjust driver behaviour and through introducing various measures in the village including vehicle activated signs, and these innovative new traffic lights, I would say that is the correct solution to change driver behaviour.

“We are using three different companies in bringing the technology together for one road safety solution, and the first place which is going to have it is Fairlie.” Mr Henry stated that the use of the vehicle activated signs, dragon teeth markings, and the new traffic lights, would be more useful due to the long length of the road in Fairlie which he said was unique in terms of Ayrshire towns and villages. He said he couldn’t see 20mph signs making a satisfactory difference, and argued that they could be ignored by drivers .

Asked by the ‘News’ if the new traffic lights would result in prosecuting speeders, Mr Henry replied that this was not the case, and would act as a deterrent only.

However, he stated that the figures would be collated to see how many speeders are going through, and as a result of this analysis, further measures could be introduced.

Mr Henry outlined the rationale for 20mph limit trials, and they looked at locations where there was a history of reported accidents, and where the mean speed was less than 24mph so that a 20mph reduction had a better chance of being observed. With a measured mean speed of 27mph and limited fatalities, Fairlie didn’t qualify for this trial.

Transport Scotland have been out in Fairlie walking the pavements and have observed first hand the vulnerability of the traffic so close to the pavements. The vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists was highlighted as a key concern by the village and many still believe the 20mph must be a solution for Fairlie.

The traffic lights at The Causeway will be converted so that if you speed some distance from them in either direction they will turn red and you will be stopped by a red light. Installation will involve radar some meters before the traffic lights to allow safe stopping distance. In addition, signage will have to go up to alert drivers that if they speed they will be detained by the lights, and Transport Scotland state that there will be a full promotional campaign and warning signs installed to support the revolutionary lights project.