Plans to introduce speed bumps in Newlandrig, near Vogrie Country Park have been put on hold until alternative measures have been given time to take effect.
Residents had demanded the traffic calming measures amid concerns a 20mph speed limit was being ignored by drivers.
Midlothian Council, which had been dubbed the ‘speed bump capital of Scotland’ is getting ready to put street lights in the hamlet, which has just 17 houses, as well as widening the footpath and narrowing the road at its entrance and exit to reduce speed.
However it was also asked to carry out a consultation on the need for speed bumps.
A report to cabinet revealed that while most residents in Newlandrig and neighbouring community Dewarton backed the bumps – with Dewarton residents asking for them to be extend to their village as well – the overall response to the consultation which included wider communities was low.
Officers told cabinet that while their advice remains not to introduce the bumps which they say are normally avoided on B roads if councillors do decide to go ahead with them they should include the neighbouring village as well.
However cabinet agreed to delay the speed bumps until data could be gathered on whether the current works made a difference.
Officers said work to install the lighting and road changes would begin on October 19 and finish within six weeks.
Councillors Diane Alexander: “All the research I have done shows street narrowing actually reduces the speed of vehicles going through much more than actual speed bumps.
“I would say let’s see what the improvements we are doing at the moment do and then, if necessary, come back to the speed bumps.”
Council leader Kelly Parry agreed and asked for a report to come back in the spring showing whether the approved work has made a difference to the community.
Cabinet unanimously agreed to delay any further decision on speed bumps.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
