NO NEW bids for 20mph areas will be accepted by East Lothian Council after it ordered a moratorium on any future speed restriction trials.

The move comes as proposals to reduce the speed limit nationally from 30mph to 20mph on residential roads are set to be considered by the Scottish Government.

The local authority said that it had introduced a moratorium on any future restrictions in the county until a decision had been taken at a national level.

However, it said trials currently being held in Dunbar and East Linton would continue, with any subsequent decision to be based on those results.

A spokesperson said: “These are under an 18-month experimental order and any further action will be advised by the success or otherwise of the trial period. Any requests for new 20mph areas, whether permanent or trial, will not be actioned at the moment.

“East Lothian Council has a moratorium on further 20mph limits until the Scottish Government decision is announced.”

Mark Ruskell, Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has been progressing his Proposed Restricted Roads (20mph Limit) (Scotland) Bill through the Scottish Parliament.