FIVE hundred people from Langholm have signed a petition calling for the speed limit on the A7 through the town to be cut from 30 to 20 miles per hour.
And South of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine wants campaigners to redouble their efforts.
On Tuesday she attended a key meeting between Transport Scotland and community groups which was addressed by the road agency’s head of network operations, Hugh Gillies.
Ms McAlpine said: “This week’s meeting was constructive – the people from Transport Scotland spent two hours at the Douglas Hotel with campaigners. They were left in no doubt about the issues. There are concerns about congestion, sightlines, pavements, traffic management and crossing places, as well as speed.
“The Muckle Toon is a beautiful place to live, work and visit, and addressing the traffic issue will enhance it further.”
Ms McAlpine has already written to Scottish Government transport minister Keith Brown asking if Langholm could be considered as a pilot for a 20mph speed limit on the Scottish trunk road network.
At present, the minimum speed on a trunk road in Scotland has to be at least 30mph, though this is currently under review.
Ms McAlpine is now urging local people to attend a critical follow-up meeting with Transport Scotland officials in the town on February 20.