Residents demand U-turn on access restriction

MORE than 500 people have signed a petition calling for a decision to restrict access to two Perth streets to be overturned.

Perth and Kinross Council, which received £1.1 million from the Scottish Government’s Places for People fund to encourage more people to walk and cycle, is due to place a temporary ban on through traffic on Balhousie Street and Hay Street.

Signs are being put up at either end of the two streets and a temporary chicane has been created using cones and barriers on Balhousie Street.

The measures are due to come into place on July 13, and if successful could be made permanent.

However, hundreds of local residents have signed a petition asking for the plans to be shelved, saying it would increase journey times, pollution and driver frustration.

It added: “Perth and Kinross Council says there was a consultation but many people were not aware of it.

“There has hardly been an inclusive representation of those most affected by this.”

A local authority spokesman said: “Council officers engaged with elected members and the community council on these measures which were being put in place to discourage unnecessary through traffic, to encourage walking and cycling in the community and to improve road safety for vulnerable road users.

“We appreciate in relation to some of the measures that there may be a small impact on traffic movement – regarding Balhousie Street we will consider the comments raised by the community and then consult further with the elected members and the community council.”