Kinloch Road crossing delay frustrations
Safe crossing ‘urgently’ needed says councillor
Frustration is building over the length of time it is taking to make Kinloch Road in Campbeltown safer for pedestrians.
After arranging an onsite meeting in July and the subsequent report, Argyll First Councillor Donald Kelly would like to see action.
He said: ‘The time it is taking to resolve this issue is becoming ridiculous and totally unacceptable. All parties have agreed a way forward which is reflected in the report.
‘Transport Scotland should implement the recommendations as a matter of urgency and provide a safe crossing point for the community.
‘Anything less is just another cop-out which will continue to compromise public safety.’
In his report after the summer meeting, Jim McGregor, BEAR Scotland’s senior engineer for improvements in the area, pointed out a previous survey highlighted pedestrian crossing movements are dispersed along the full length of the road with the busiest places where pedestrians cross towards the waterfront, at bus stops and Aqualibrium.
The traditional ‘refuge islands’ you would expect to see for pedestrians on a road like this are unviable and options are limited because of the regular transportation of abnormal loads associated with offshore wind turbine towers being transported to Campbeltown Harbour.
Mr McGregor also noted the buff-coloured surface strips across the road and dropped kerbs were causing confusion with those on foot and drivers not sure who had priority.
‘The lack of forward visibility at certain locations, width of the road and vehicle speed were all considered likely to be a factor in pedestrians feeling vulnerable,’ he added.
Mr McGregor told Councillor Kelly his recommended provision was a new controlled crossing and adjustment of the existing crossing points, as generally discussed during the summer visit.
‘The route manager Neil Macfarlane visited Campbeltown recently and has indicated to me he is generally supportive of a scheme, but would also like to extend any project to include cycle facilities and any other potential issues,’ Mr McGregor wrote.
‘I understand investigations are ongoing and Mr Macfarlane plans to have discussion, with a view to securing agreement on the best way forward and funding of any project. Please be aware Transport Scotland has still to formally advise if a scheme will proceed and any proposed timescale for delivery.’
The various options for the crossings have a lot of pros and cons.
Between the junction at the Royal Hotel, back towards the bus stances and as far as Aqualibrium, a case can be argued as to exactly where pedestrians would benefit the most by having a crossing on this stretch of the trunk road known as Kinloch Road.
Another crossing is also needed near the town’s Cooperative store.
A crossing is even more essential now that toddlers will be using space at Aqualibrium, with the relocation of nursery classes to the building, which also houses the town’s library, gym, swimming pool and changing rooms for the adjacent football pitches.