Work is set to begin on the latest phases of the council’s Spaces for People project.
The latest measures set to be introduced include temporary speed limits in towns, villages and rural roads in West Lothian with temporary 20mph speed limits put in place to reduce vehicle speeds in our local communities.
At the same time, signage indicating temporary 40mph speed limits will be erected in the Bathgate/Dechmont hills, West Calder/Harburn area and Bonnytoun Farm Road in Linlithgow. Following these works there will be the introduction of physical distancing measures at heavily used bus stop locations. Also, narrow footways will be widened to provide more space.
New cycleway facilities are to be introduced on selected roads and these are currently being designed by engineers.
The new measures follow on from changes installed at seven busy pedestrian crossing points across West Lothian which was successfully completed on July 11.
Executive councillor for the environment, Tom Conn, said: “It is pleasing to hear of the progress being made in the Spaces for People project in such a short space of time. A great deal of work has been undertaken by officers to ensure these much-needed measures are being put in place in a timely manner. I have no doubt that the new measures will benefit their respective local communities through increased accessibility and encourage active travel as we continue to emerge from the lockdown period.”
A Sustrans spokesperson added: “Sustrans are delighted with the temporary measures that West Lothian Council have proposed to install as part of their Spaces for People funding award. Reducing speed limits along these designated streets will have a hugely-positive impact on the people living in and visiting these areas as Scotland emerges out of lockdown. Combined with the temporary cycle facilities, footway widening and physical distancing measures shortly being introduced, these temporary changes will showcase West Lothian as a safer and more accessible environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike.”
