Plans are in place that could see a long-awaited speed restriction introduced in a busy area of Tranent.

Plans are in place that could see a long-awaited speed restriction introduced in a busy area of Tranent.

Muirpark was one of three areas in the county expected to benefit from a 20 miles per hour restriction last year.

A traffic regulation order (TRO) has now been put forward by East Lothian for a third time, after it was proposed twice last year – but delays meant it did not happen, to the disappointment of locals.

If it goes ahead this time, the Muirpark area of the town will be reduced to 20-miles per hour for an initial trial period of 18 months.

After that time, East Lothian Council officials would be able to decide whether to continue the ‘20s Plenty’ restriction in the area, or return it to 30 miles per hour.

Former Muirpark and Steading View Tenants and Residents Association (MSVTRA) chair Liz Hutchison previously said: “It is going to affect Muirpark Terrace more than anywhere because it is a rat run, but this is definitely a move forward.

“I’m pleased that it is going to happen at long last.” The street has long been used as a short-cut through the town, with motorists able to avoid the junction of Haddington Road and High Street by travelling through Muirpark Terrace towards the Windygoul area.

“Muirpark Terrace is affected by this rat run, and Meadowside won’t be affected because it isn’t part of the rat run, and Steading View, although it’s on this [traffic regulation order], they’ve already got their own traffic management,” said Mrs Hutchison.

The move has previously been backed by Colin Martin, Tranent and Elphintone Community Council chairman, who lives on nearby Steading View.

The 18-month experimental order is being rolled out in various parts of the county, with Whin Park in Cockenzie and Lochbridge Road in North Berwick also reduced to 20 miles per hour.

Visit www.tellmescotland.gov.uk/notices/east-lothian/traffic/00000098798 to view the council’s public order on the plans, which can also be viewed at East Lothian Council’s John Muir House in Haddington, until next Friday (May 22).