The speed limit in an Aberdeenshire village could finally be extended after years of campaigning by local residents.
Councillors will be asked next week to extend the 30mph limit for another 200ft through Dinnet, ensuring motorists keep their speed low as they go right through the village and continue along the A93 Aberdeen to Braemar road.
Locals have been calling for the restriction to be expanded for years after a series of crashes near the road’s junction with the B9094 Dinnet to Tarland road.
Scott McHardy and his father Donald, who run Dinnet Garage, are among the campaigners.
The pair said the 30mph speed sign at the entrance to the village is not in a location visible to motorists.
Yesterday Mr McHardy jun said the changes would mean police would be able to carry out speed checks in Dinnet, which may have prompted the council to rethink.
He added he hoped the changes would lead to “the majority of people slowing down” as they came into the village.
Mr McHardy said: “Anything that is going to make the road safer is going to be of benefit. The councillors were very helpful, it’s just about how long it takes before it comes in now.”
The revision of the speed limit comes after an ambulance and 4×4 collided outside the garage in May this year, leaving two people injured.
Director of infrastructure services Stephen Archer said: “Concerns have been expressed for some time that traffic speeds entering and leaving the east end of the 30mph speed limit are excessive.
“A recent severe injury accident involving an eastbound vehicle and a vehicle turning right into Dinnet Garage has exacerbated these concerns.”
The amendment to the current road order will be discussed by the council’s Marr area committee in Huntly’s Stewart’s Hall on Tuesday.