Long-awaited plans for reduced speed limits in the Muirpark area of Tranent are going ahead.

The plans, part of a county-wide initiative, have seen speed limits reduced from 30 miles per hour (mph) to 20mph for an initial 18-month period.

After that, East Lothian Council officials will then have a chance to revisit the idea, and determine whether to end the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) after its trial period, or make it a full-time measure.

The area has long been described as a “rat-run” by Liz Hutchison, former chairwoman of Muirpark and Steading View Tenants and Residents Association (MSVTRA).

Liz stood down from the tenants’ and residents’ association earlier this year, but was pleased that the long-awaited scheme was going ahead.

Meanwhile, Claire Wardhaugh, who succeeded Liz as chairwoman of MSVTRA, said: “We are delighted that the 20 miles per hour limit has now started, and hope that provisions can be put in place to ensure it is monitored effectively.

“We are really pleased that our area has been chosen for the trial to be implemented.

“The safety of all people living in the area is paramount to all the work we’re involved in.” Kenny McLeod, Fa’side ward councillor, sung the praises of Liz for her work in pushing through the speed restrictions.

He said: “It’s all been down to Liz’s hard work to get this to where it is, and I hope it can be rolled out through the Fa’side ward and across the county in time.” While Councillor Michael Veitch, transport spokesperson for East Lothian Council, said: “East Lothian Council is committed to making our roads and streets safer and 20mph speed limits in residential areas help to encourage drivers to travel at appropriate speeds.

“The 20mph areas in Dunbar, which have been in place since January 2014, are considered to have improved driver behaviour, and I believe that we will see similar results in the areas of Tranent, Cockenzie and North Berwick [covered by the new scheme].

“Working with community groups, we will continue to identify areas where similar measures are appropriate.” The reduced speed limit is also being brought into force in other parts of the county, with Whin Park in Cockenzie and Lochbridge Road in North Berwick also set for 18-month trials.