Bid to put the brakes on drivers
Transport chiefs are to slap a new speed limit on a danger stretch of road just outside Ayr.
It comes as traffic lights are set to be introduced at the spot near Corton and Doonholm Road in a bid to prevent accidents.
Transport Scotland say the location has been flagged up as a safety concern in a recent audit.
They will install the measures in the new year.
The junctions at Doonholm Road and Corton Road will receive the new lights to ease traffic on to the A77, where the speed limit is currently 60mph.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We plan to introduce traffic signals on the A77 at the staggered junctions of Doonholm Road and Corton Road as a measure to improve road safety.
“This location was identified through our Annual Road Safety Review as a location requiring investigation and the introduction of traffic signals will assist in reducing conflicts and collisions.
“To enable the installation of traffic signals at this location it is necessary to reduce the speed limit to 40 mph and the necessary Traffic Regulation Order is being progressed to allow this.
“The installation of this important casualty reduction scheme will commence as soon as the 40 mph speed limit order is introduced.”
Ayr MSP, John Scott, welcomed upgrades for the road but was cautious over the choice of transport bosses.
He said: “We need to ease the free flow of traffic along the A77, and access to and egress from it.
“The junctions at both Doonholm Road and Maybole Road need upgraded, but I am not convinced that putting traffic lights on the A77 is the right way to go.”
Ward councillor, Martin Dowey, added: “Anything that improves safety on the A77 – a road that badly needs upgrading– should be welcomed.
“However, there is a bigger picture at play here and that is the overall improvement of the road itself, which needs a lot of attention.”