Plans for 20mph zones on Scottish trunk roads
Speed limits of 20mph could be introduced on five sections of Scotland's trunk road network.
The Scottish government has started a consultation on the plan, which includes main roads passing through Maybole, Largs, Biggar, Langholm and Oban.
The proposal does not include traffic calming measures. The limits are to be "largely self-enforcing".
The zones could be in place by the spring of 2014.
Announcing the plan during a visit to Biggar in South Lanarkshire, Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The safety of the trunk road network is a priority for Transport Scotland and managing speed is an important part of our strategy.
"It is essential that speeds are appropriate to conditions and these pilot zones will help us establish the benefits of lowering speeds in towns and villages where it is reasonable to do so.
"The five trials are being proposed will seek to improve road safety generally, but we expect them to bring specific benefits for vulnerable road users, such as older people and cyclists."
Pilot schemes in a number of other locations were considered, but rejected as being "ineffective or impractical".
Those not going forward to consultation are: Keith, Nairn, Inveraray, Golspie, Callander, Springholm, Crocketford, Aberlour and Cromdale.
Mr Brown added: "The proposed pilot areas should not require significant engineering or police enforcement to support their operation and we hope to begin the wider consultation processes early next year."