Aberdeenshire Council is moving ahead with its plans to impose permanent 20 mph speed limits across towns and villages, a move confirmed after public consultations concluded this summer. These changes align with the national strategy to ensure all suitable roads in built-up areas follow a 20 mph limit by 2025.
The widespread consultation, which included communities in Buchan, Formartine, Garioch, Kincardine & Mearns, Banff & Buchan, and Marr, launched earlier this year. It formed part of a statutory process for enacting specific speed limit orders. Documents published in June show the council approved the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders to make the changes legally binding.
“Covers removed” – Signs officially activated
Anne Simpson, councillor for Central Buchan, announced publicly that the new signage—previously covered—will be officially activated from Monday, 22 September, making the new limits enforceable.
“Just a heads up that the 20 mph signs that have been installed in Central Buchan, indeed in all of our Aberdeenshire towns and villages, will have their covers removed, and become ‘live’ from Monday 22nd September.”
— Anne Simpson, Councillor for Central Buchan
This activation will mark the transition from consultation to enforcement, enabling road safety improvements across the region.
Policy context and regional momentum
This initiative stems from the 2021 Shared Policy Programme agreed between the Scottish Government and the Green Party, mandating 20 mph limits on all appropriate urban roads by 2025. Aberdeen City CouncilPKC
Earlier rollouts elsewhere—such as in Glasgow’s Bearsden suburb and St Andrews—reflect broader national trends. In Bearsden, more than 300 roads moved to 20 mph in early September, backed by £4 million of Scottish Government funding dedicated to 20 mph schemes. In St Andrews, the move was central to reducing road fatalities, following evidence that most casualties occurred on 30 mph roads.
Mixed feedback from communities
While the aim is improved safety and a shift towards active travel, experiences in other Scottish towns—especially Highland villages—suggest compliance and enforcement remain challenges. Some reports indicate that drivers tend to ignore the 20 mph limit or, conversely, new limits may cause congestion and risky overtaking behaviors.
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Aberdeenshire Council argues that the shift to 20 mph will not only standardise driving speeds across communities but also foster perceptions of safer streets, encourage walking and cycling, and contribute to more liveable neighbourhoods.
What’s next?
With signs going live on 22 September, enforcement could begin shortly afterward. Businesses and residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new limits immediately.
