Calls to designate Auchengate as a village and proposals to reduce the speed limit have been knocked back following consultations between council bosses and police.

However proposals are in place to address road safety concerns and improve signage in the area, which borders North and South Ayrshire.

Calls for action came following a recent motion passed by NAC from Irvine Tory councillor Matthew McLean.

The council planning department advised that there is no formal process (national or local) that can be drawn on or used that provides a definition of town or village. 

The cabinet heard on Tuesday that the only formal process that planning can find reference to is the competitive bid process for new city designation, which needs monarchy approval.

North Ayrshire Council officers considered that it may be appropriate to reduce the posted speed limit to 40mph as a result of the concerns raised by the residents, and that it was possible that measured speeds may fall into compliance with a reduced speed.

South Ayrshire Council (SAC) did not support a reduction of the speed limit on the section of the U66 which lies within the SAC boundary as there are no accident/collision statistics to support a reduction and no requests for a reduction from the public.

The Roads Department held discussions with South Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland to consider a reduction in speed limit at Auchengate and that a reduction was not supported by Police Scotland.

Police argued that existing vehicle speeds are more than acceptable for the current national speed limit and show good compliance.

However, police have agreed measures with North Ayrshire officers in order to address road safety concerns raised by residents of Dundonald Crescent and said that amendments to signage and road markings were minor in nature.

They will be funded through the roads revenue budget. 

Police further met with officers to consider any improvements that may be made to the U66 Auchengate particularly for cyclists/pedestrians and to alleviate the concerns raised by the residents.

It was agreed that improved signage warning of cyclists crossing and refreshed road markings, including the addition of SLOW markings on the road on the approach to the cycle crossing, and at either side of the junction at Dundonald Crescent, would further enhance road safety. 

The North Ayrshire Council active travel team are also considering improved cycle-pedestrian links within the North Ayrshire boundary, however, this is currently at the feasibility stage. 

SAC further advised that as part of a future active travel scheme they are considering a new signalised crossing point in the vicinity of the link path to Lochgreen Avenue.

As part of this they would be looking at reducing the speed limit to 40mph on the approach to the lights as part of the detailed design.

This scheme is only in the early stages and engagement and consultation would be undertaken as part of this process.