PLANS for the possibility of Scotland’s first 10mph road through the Borders are being driven ahead by local councillors.

Heavy vehicles could also be banned from the stretch of road which runs from the Peel up to Innerleithen alongside the A72, and up the B709, to create the region’s, and Scotland's, first official 'Quiet Road.'

The road, which is often used as a diversion during crashes on the A72, is part of National Cycle Route One and enjoyed by thousands of cyclists every year.

A proposal to pilot the route as a ‘quiet road’ was put forward last week, and it has been welcomed by some councillors.

Tweeddale councillor Stuart Bell favoured the idea. He said: “I am very keen to get a quiet road pilot scheme implemented in the Borders and this road would be a good candidate for it. I’ve encountered cyclists on that road who have said it was one of the most beautiful routes in the UK. 

“We need to utilise this. It is one of the main cycle routes running through the UK and making it more cycle-friendly is something I would welcome.”

The suggestion emerged from a public consultation ahead of Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, where councillors reviewed their Local Access and Transport Strategy paper.

Under the Transport Act, local authorities can now designate 'Quiet Roads,' which are networks of rural roads shared by cyclists, walkers, horse riders and cars. 

They are designed to enable people to enjoy country roads more safely and encourage car drivers to respect more vulnerable road users.

Work has now started on creating a formal plan for the road to be designated as Quiet.

And the paper will go before a full meeting of Scottish Borders Council for approval.

Councillor Bell added: “We don’t have any timescales on delivering this. It is a suggestion that is being worked into a formal plan at this stage.”

Thousands of road and mountain-bike cyclists use the B709 each year.

Campaigners believe a reduction in speed limits and a ban on heavy vehicles would encourage even more cyclists to come to the area.

A spokesman for the Countryside Agency said: “Country roads are an integral part of our rural environment but the volume and speed of traffic, and the presence of heavy lorries can make them uninviting and intimidating.

“Fatal car crashes occur most frequently from drivers speeding excessively on rural roads. Limits of 10mph on these shared roads can be implimented to prevent this.

“It can help make country roads feel safer, more pleasant, and less intimidating to pedestrians and cyclists who enjoy them.”