The streets surrounding Perth Royal Infirmary have been included in a new network of 20mph zones being introduced across the city in response to road safety concerns at the hospital.
Perth and Kinross Council announced the new go-slow measures in the city earlier this month following years of debate on the issue.
The local authority fast-tracked the decision to bring in the traffic order, which applies to more than 60 streets in the city centre, saying it would make roads safer as lockdown eases.
New 20mph signs have began to appear on designated roads including at both Perth Bridge and Queen’s Bridge. It has now been confirmed the zone will stretch out as far as the hospital.
Coronavirus accelerates campaign for Perth city centre slow-zone
The decision to extend the safety measures has been welcomed by local politicians.
Willie Wilson, Lib Dem councillor for Perth city south, told The Courier: “I warmly welcome the introduction of a 20 mph zone round PRI.
“This is a major step forward in improving road and pedestrian safety near our major hospital.
“This move is being welcomed by local residents in the area.
“It is really vital to create as safe a zone as possible in an area where members of the public may be anxious or nervous due their visit to PRI.
“The introduction of signage and cooperation of Police Scotland will reinforce the message of 20 zone to motorists.”
The new traffic order is part of a £1.1 million plan from the local authority to make urban areas safe for pedestrians and cyclists after lockdown.
The initiative involves extra signs, widened pavements and new road markings.
A council spokesman said: “Given the exceptional circumstances we are currently experiencing and the unprecedented nature of how we must respond, the council is able to accelerate the introduction of these measures.
“We have consulted with our elected members and the majority of the community councils across the region on these proposals and received a lot of positive feedback.”
