BORDERS residents can now have their say on the 20mph speed trial which began last year.

As part of the Spaces for People programme, the reduced limit was introduced in more than 90 towns and villages in the region.

And today (Monday, May 10) an online consultation has been launched, so people can share their views on the trial – for example, whether they think any roads should change back to 30mph.

Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for infrastructure, transport and travel, said: “The 20mph trial, which has been in place for the last seven months, was introduced to make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and wheel for everyday journeys.

“With it having been in place for a significant amount of time during the coronavirus pandemic, we now want to get feedback from Borderers as to how effective it has been."

As part of the consultation, which will run until June 7, contributors will be asked how the scheme impacted travel and whether they chose to walk or cycle more as a result.

During the trial, data was collected to show how the new limits affected average speeds. The results can be accessed at scottishborders.tracsis-tads.com/conduit/borders

One example is the 4.7mph reduction in average speed at Hillside Terrace, Selkirk (from 28.3mph to 23.6mph).

Mr Edgar said: "Whether you are a keen walker or cyclist, have a business which operates in the Borders, live in this part of the country or drive on the roads across the region, I would urge you to feedback your specific experiences with the trial and how it has impacted your travel.

“It’s important that we get as many responses to this consultation as possible, to help inform any permanent changes the council makes following the trial.

“These will be made purely on an individual basis, based on the specific needs of each community, the feedback we receive through the consultation and the impartial data collected across the length of the trial.”

The consultation's findings will be reported later this year, detailing which parts of the scheme will be kept – if any.

Cyclists, pedestrians, residents, business owners and drivers are all asked to contribute to the consultation.

To share your views, visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/20mph

The speed limits were introduced by Scottish Borders Council, working with the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and Sustrans.