Largs eyes will be on South Ayrshire after the first of a five pilot 20mph speed limit plans was put into action this week. The A77 at Maybole, like the A78 through Largs, is operated by Transport Scotland, who say they are trying to improve safety through the towns.

It is the first permanent 20mph limit to be introduced on a trunk road, with others operating part-time in areas around schools, for example. Until now, only local authorities introduced this type of limit on a permanent basis.

The five pilot schemes were drawn up using accident statistics in Scottish town centres. While there have been questions about the value of a 20mph limit through Largs, not to mention a call for one in Fairlie, the Maybole project has largely been sparked by the town’s extremely narrow main road, the number of HGVs using the route and the number of accidents. Earlier this year, we reported that questions were being asked about the need for a lower speed limit in Largs Main Street.

Transport Scotland’s own survey found the average speed within the town centre was already lower than 20mph. Members of Largs Community Council also suggested the cost of signage and road markings gave the pilot even less value.

Stewart Leggett, Transport Scotland’s national operations manager, said: “Safety is a priority for Transport Scotland and managing speed is an important part of our strategy. It is essential speed limits are appropriate to conditions and these pilot zones will help us establish the benefits of lowering speeds in towns villages, where it is reasonable to do so.

“This is the first of the five pilot sites which we expect to improve road safety generally while bringing specific benefits for vulnerable road users, such as older people and cyclists.

“We are pleased that the wider consultation process is now complete in Maybole and will now monitor the benefits it brings to the trunk road network.”