TWENTY miles per hour signs in three areas will not be taken down, despite the temporary reduction in speed limit having expired.

A drop in the speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour on Lochbridge Road in North Berwick; the Muirpark area of Tranent; and at Cockenzie’s Whin Park was given the go-ahead in 2015.

The 18-month trial has since expired, but East Lothian Council is currently working through the necessary legislation in a bid to make the orders permanent.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “Following successful trials, cabinet agreed earlier this year to implement permanent 20mph speed limits in parts of North Berwick, Cockenzie and Tranent.

“Before these speed limits can formally be put in place on a permanent basis, the council is required to carry out some statutory procedures.

“This involves consultation with stakeholders, such as Police Scotland.

“This process is under way and we hope will be completed in the coming months.

“In the meantime, the 20mph signs will remain in place at these locations.

“There was a good level of public support for these reduced speed limits and keeping the signs in place while the statutory process is completed is both cost effective and will deliver a consistent message in relation to the speed limit for the travelling public.”

Whin Park, on the western edge of Cockenzie, could prove the forerunner for a wider 20 miles per hour limit throughout the community.

Residents are being asked to complete a survey, which includes the idea of a 20 miles per hour default speed limit in Cockenzie and Port Seton where people live, work, shop and play.

The survey, which finishes tomorrow (Friday), can be completed at the Port Seton Centre.

Last week, the Courier reported on the fact that a near community-wide 20 miles per hour limit had been introduced in East Linton, with plans to see something similar created in Dunbar.