Temporary 20mph speed restriction on the A78 trunk road: implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

The A78 Trunk Road (Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay) (Temporary 20mph Speed Restriction) Order 2026: what UK health and safety law means for business compliance

What has changed

The A78 Trunk Road (Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay) (Temporary 20mph Speed Restriction) Order 2026 introduces a temporary 20 mph speed limit on specified sections of the A78. The measure is designed to protect road users and workers during authorised works and activities on the trunk road. It is enforceable by police and traffic authorities, and drivers must comply for the duration of the works. The change affects road users and businesses operating vehicles or relying on this corridor for deliveries or staff travel.

Why the change matters

Lower speed limits in work zones reduce the risk of collisions with workers, plant and other road users. For businesses, the change has practical implications for route planning, delivery windows and driver safety management. Organisations should expect potential delays and the need to adjust schedules, communicate changes to staff and ensure contractors align with the new limit to prevent non compliance penalties.

Who is affected

The impacted area falls within the A78 corridor between Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay. Affected groups include hauliers, courier operators, service and maintenance contractors, manufacturers with regional supply chains, and employees who commute through the route. Local businesses that depend on timely deliveries or passenger transport in the vicinity should plan for potential congestion and alternate routing.

Key duties for employers

To maintain regulatory compliance and protect workers, organisations should focus on:

• Updating route planning and risk assessments to reflect the temporary limit
• Communicating the restriction to drivers, contractors and suppliers
• Revising transport policies and delivery schedules where needed
• Ensuring navigation systems and dispatch data consider the 20 mph limit
• Reviewing contractor arrangements and escalation routes for delays

Steps to achieve compliance

organisations should undertake a structured response as follows

1. Identify all routes and deliveries affected by the Order
2. Update health and safety and transport risk assessments to include the new limit
3. Brief drivers and on site personnel about the restriction and associated expectations
4. Adjust scheduling, lead times and contractor management processes
5. Revisit incident reporting and investigation procedures in the event of road transport incidents
6. Monitor compliance and review effectiveness of controls, updating plans as required

Enforcement and sanctions

Non compliance with the temporary speed restriction may attract penalties in line with standard road traffic regulations. Enforcement is typically handled by police and highway authorities, with outcomes depending on the circumstances of the breach.

Governance and practical considerations

Incorporating the new restriction into your management systems supports consistent compliance. Align risk controls with an existing health and safety management framework such as ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management. Sufficient governance ensures road risk is treated as an integrated element of overall safety performance.

Engaging with competent advisers when updating hazard identification and risk controls helps ensure robust decision making. For organisations seeking structured support, consider Competent Person support to verify the sufficiency of controls and governance arrangements.

Wrap up

The temporary 20 mph restriction on the A78 highlights the importance of proactive route planning, clear communication with drivers and contractors, and robust risk management. By updating risk assessments, adjusting schedules and reinforcing governance, organisations can protect workers, minimise disruption and demonstrate clear regulatory compliance under UK health and safety law.