New Traffic Measures Alert for South West Scotland: What You Need to Know

Get ready, drivers in South West Scotland! Starting September 1st, 2025, new temporary traffic measures will be in place across several major trunk roads, and here's the scoop on what to expect.

What's Happening? The Scottish Government has issued a temporary order that will enforce prohibitions on traffic, overtaking bans, and speed restrictions on key roads. This is due to essential roadworks that aim to improve the infrastructure and ensure driver safety.

Key Dates:

• Start: September 1, 2025
• End: December 1, 2025

Affected Roads: The legislation targets significant stretches of the M8, M74, M80, M77, A725, A737, and A78 among others. These roads are crucial arteries connecting Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Greenock, as well as extending to other parts of Scotland.

Restrictions in Place:

1. Road Closures: Certain sections will be completely closed to traffic. Look out for road closure signs.
2. No Overtaking Zones: On specific stretches, overtaking is banned to ensure safety.
3. Speed Limits: New temporary speed limits will be enforced, generally reducing to 30 or 40 mph in work zones. Some areas may see limits as low as 10 mph during convoy operations.

Exemptions: Emergency vehicles such as fire engines, ambulances, and police cars, as well as vehicles directly involved in the roadworks, are exempt from these restrictions.

Why This Matters: These measures are designed to facilitate safe and efficient roadworks. The Scottish Government has planned alternative routes to minimize disruption, but drivers should plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for traffic signs and updates from local traffic authorities to navigate these changes smoothly. Safe driving!