PLANS to reduce the speed limit on the former A1 in East Lothian, to allow a new cycle path to be built without having to buy additional land, were today approved by councillors.

East Lothian Council’s Labour administration cabinet unanimously backed the proposals to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the A199 between Haddington and Dunbar, which is currently a national speed limit road.

Councillors were told that the move was necessary to qualify for funding for a new active freeway which will see a cycle/pedestrian pathway created alongside the route.

The freeway is part of a larger proposal to create what the council describes as a “high-quality commuter cycling and walking link connecting Dunbar-East Linton-Haddington-Gladsmuir-Macmerry-Tranent-Musselburgh along the route of the A199”.

The road is the former A1 and has been used in recent times as an alternative for all traffic when high winds close the current A1 between the two towns.

Councillors were told that a consultation was held late last year over four weeks on the plans, along with drop-in sessions and a presentation to East Lothian Cycling Forum.

Since the Courier reported the proposal online last week, there has been a backlash on social media, with residents claiming to have been unaware of any public consultation.

READ MORE: Speed limit on section of A199 set to be reduced

A council spokesperson said that, although the consultation was not included on the local authority’s consultation hub, which is open to the public to view, it was promoted on social media and posters in towns, as well as through community councils and area partnership groups.

Cabinet members approved the initiation of statutory procedures to make Traffic Regulation Orders to implement a 40mph speed limit between settlements along the A199 to enable construction of the first phases of the active freeway during 2024.

They were told that funds from outside sources were available to cover the cost of the design and introduction of the new pathway but were subject to the reduced speed limit being part of the project.

The A199 has been used as a diversion for vehicles in bad weather, after a number of lorries were blown over on a bridge on the A1 between Haddington and Dunbar.

East Lothian Provost John McMillan welcomed the project to create the new pathway.

He said: “We are responding to requests from local people to increase cycling routes, to encourage cycling and encourage walking.”