Plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit in a busy Tranent area have been delayed.

Earlier this year, East Lothian Council announced proposals to reduce the speed limit at Muirpark and Steading View, following a number of complaints from residents.

They were concerned that the streets, which lead drivers towards Windygoul without passing through the centre of the town, were being used as a “rat run” by drivers.

But the original proposal to reduce the speed limit by the beginning of November has not materialised.

Liz Hutchison, chair of Muirpark and Steading View Tenants and Residents Association (MSVTRA), has already expressed concern.

In the summer, she told the Courier that the area, in terms of speeding motorists, had been “a nightmare for 25 years” and said that the reduced speed limit would not prevent drivers from continuing to take the short-cut.

And she told the Courier she was “extremely disappointed” about the delays, adding: “I don’t know how confident I am about it now because I don’t know how it’s going to be policed.” The area is likely to become more congested in the coming months, with work to begin next year on the new Aldi store – scheduled to open in late 2015 – at the site of the former Tranmare Hotel.

A council spokesperson said: “East Lothian Council gives a high priority to road safety and is progressing a proposed Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, which will limit drivers to 20mph in the Muirpark area of Tranent.” There are also ongoing plans for 20mph zones in the Whin Park area of Cockenzie and the Lochbridge area of North Berwick.

Councillor Michael Veitch, council transport spokesperson, added: “The introduction of the 20mph speed restrictions shows East Lothian Council’s commitment to improving road safety and has come about through the hard work put in by the 20mph Speed Limit Steering Group, with support from the communities.”