50mph speed limit pilot for southern Scotland

The pilot will be across four roads for 18 months

A 50mph speed limit pilot is to be introduced across four roads in southern Scotland.

The routes for the 50mph (80km/h) trial are the A7 north of Galashiels, the B6357 from Carter Bar, the A708 Moffat to Selkirk and the A6088 from Kielder to Bonchester Bridge.

The aim is to reduce the amount of motorbike crashes and fatalities.

The scheme will be introduced from Monday and run for 18 months.

The Scottish Borders is a popular area with motorcyclists, particularly during the summer months.

There have been a number of previous initiatives in a bid to improve safety, including patrols by an unmarked police motorbike.

The new pilot is a joint initiative involving Scottish Borders Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Police Scotland.

Focus on country roads

Backing has come from Transport Scotland's Road Safety Improvement Fund.

Sgt Dave Waddel, of Police Scotland, said: "The majority of killed and seriously injured collisions in the Scottish Borders do not take place in towns or villages, but on open country roads and that is where our casualty reduction efforts are focused."

Following the trial, data will be evaluated, and a consultation will be carried out on whether to retain the 50mph limit, or revert to 60mph (96km/h).