PERMANENT 20 miles per hour speed limits could be in place in three county locations by the end of the year.

A drop in the vehicle speed limit from 30mph to 20mph was put in place in the Lochbridge Road area of North Berwick; Cockenzie’s Whin Park; and Tranent’s Muirpark in 2015.

The 18-month trial period recently expired with East Lothian Council now working towards making the schemes legally permanent.

Currently, a number of 20mph signs have been covered up but not removed from streets.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, the local authority’s spokesman for the environment, wanted the reduced speed limit introduced on a permanent basis.

He said: “The experimental 20 miles per hour speed limits introduced in a number of areas of East Lothian were in response to concerns raised by local residents and community councils about speeding within some residential areas.

“The feedback received since their introduction gave a clear indication of their effectiveness in reducing vehicle speed and so improving safety for other road users including cyclists.”

Before the speed limits can be formally put in place, the council is required to follow various statutory procedures.

The schemes have been put out for public consultation, where members of the public can raise any concerns or comment.

Consultation opened earlier this month and runs until September 22.

Depending on responses, there may be a need to resolve concerns or any issues raised before any full-time change can be implemented.

Currently, Dunbar’s Hallhill, south of the East Coast railway line, is the only permanent 20mph speed limit in a residential area in East Lothian. Elsewhere, there are various plans to introduce further 20mph limits.

Dunbar’s community council is keen to see the majority of roads to the north of the town’s railway line follow the reduced speed limit south of the railway tracks.

Meanwhile, a 20mph vehicle speed limit trial is in place in East Linton, with a number of residents in Aberlady keen on the same.

Irene Galloway, chairwoman of Law Residents Group, North Berwick, was among those hoping to see the scheme made permanent.

She singled out Lochbridge Road and Couper Avenue as streets where speeding was a particular issue and was hopeful there would be more signage put in place – if the order was made permanent – to highlight the reduced speed limit.

She added: “There is a lot of speeding, especially down Lochbridge Road.

“A lot of people locally want it passed.”