Drivers have been warned of changes to speed limits on major A-roads in Scotland, which come into effect next week, in a fresh blow to drivers.

The A83 in Scotland will be subject to mandatory 20mph speed limits for up to 18 months from Monday, September 29.

The changes will be in effect until March 29, 2027, and will be between the A83 in Tarbet, including Lochgilphead and Campbeltown Trunk Road at Arrochar.

The speed limit reduction marks a change from the existing 30mph and 40mph in place along the 1km route in the Scottish region.

Official regulations state: "The Scottish Ministers make the following Order in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 2(1), 4(1) and 14(1)(b) and (4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984(a) and all other powers enabling them to do so.

"They are satisfied that the traffic on the length of road specified in the schedule should be restricted because of the likelihood of danger to the public, or of serious damage to the road, which is not attributable to works."

While the speed limits are in effect, drivers have been warned that failure to follow the new measures could result in a £100 fine and up to three penalty points.

The new traffic rules will also mean that "no person may use, or permit the use of, any vehicle on the lengths of road, or a part or parts of the lengths of road, specified in the schedule at a speed exceeding 20mph".

The speed limit changes hope to eliminate 'danger to the public'

The A83 is one of two east-west strategic trunk roads in the area, connecting Argyll and Bute to the central part of Scotland and serving as a vital link in the region's transportation infrastructure.

The temporary speed limits follow similar measures along other roads, with the A828 Trunk Road and the A85 Trunk Road in Oban also operating at 20mph until March 22, 2027.

Transport Scotland shared: "The Scottish Government remains committed to making our streets safer and to the transformation of our towns and cities to ensure people are prioritised over motor vehicles."

Motorists can be fined £100 for driving over the 20mph limit | PA

The transport authority detailed how managing the levels of vehicle speed is "one of the biggest challenges" faced in road safety.

"The speed of a vehicle directly influences the risk of a collision as well as the severity of injuries sustained, and the likelihood of death resulting from that collision," the authority added.

Research shows that the average person is seven times more likely to die if they are hit by a car travelling at 30mph compared to a 20mph limit.

"That is why the Scottish Government is committed to implementing 20mph speed limits on those roads where it is appropriate to do so by the end of 2025," Transport Scotland pledged.

Scotland plans to make most of its roads 20mph under its safety strategy

So far, more authorities across Scotland have been adopting 20mph limits, with Aberdeenshire taking the next step in its plan.

The county introduced city-wide 20mph limits across most of its roads this week, with the aim of encouraging more active travel.

Aberdeenshire Council shared: "We want to make Aberdeenshire's towns and villages a better and safer place to live, work, visit and play. Below, we set out some of the key reasons for extending the 20mph limits.

"Slower speeds are safer for all. Traffic speed is often too fast in our residential and local shopping streets. This can be a barrier to walking and cycling and increase the risk and severity of accidents."