Nightmare jams at new Lidl store

Hamilton drivers have backed a call for a right-turn filter to be installed at the site of the new Lidl store.

Following our report last week on massive tailbacks causing delays at the entrance to the supermarket, the Advertiser’s social media sites were flooded with comments from irate drivers.

Loraine Elder said on Facebook: “It’s an accident waiting to happen.

“Twice I’ve had someone pull into the left-hand lane without looking properly as they’re stuck behind someone waiting to go to Lidl and had to slam on the brakes.”

And Winnie Law added: “I love the new Lidl, but the entrance to the car park is in the worst location ever!

“Yeah, let’s just jam up one of busiest main roads in Hamilton.”

Peter Mooney also hit out at the council. He said: “Typical roads department. The changes they introduced in Douglas Street several the years ago are disruption.”

Maryellen Carracher Mckenzie added: “Yes. Nightmare for people who drive up Muir Street and try to turn right into Lidl.

“Probably best to go straight up and round the roundabout to go back down and turn left into it. Either that or a filter lane and light into Lidl required.”

The Advertiser told last week how Central Scotland MSP Margaret Mitchell had raised the matter with South Lanarkshire Council’s chief executive Lindsay Freeland.

“I think the statement from Gordon Mackay, head of roads and transportation at South Lanarkshire Council seems very complacent,” said Ms Mitchell.

“Everyone’s experience is fixed immediately.

“It’s time for the authority to lose their offhand attitude and step up to the plate and sort this shambles out.

“I repeat my request for them to get it sorted – now.”

However, Gordon Mackay, head of roads and transportation at South still causing massive it needs Lanarkshire Council, endorsed layout at the Muir Street junction.

He said: “The use of a filter lane would not resolve the issue raised, as right turning traffic would still require to wait and on occasion block straight through traffic. Works have recently been completed to link together the Muir Street signals and this has allowed improved progression along the corridor. Additional arrow lane markings will also be introduced shortly to highlight the potential for right turning traffic.”

“We will continue to monitor junction capacity and performance.”

Councillor Chris Thompson, chair of enterprise at South Lanarkshire Council, denied claims that the council had been complacent on the issue.

The Labour member said: “It often takes a bit of time for changes to road layouts to settle down – both in terms of road users getting used to the changes but also, sometimes, for the need for any further adjustments to become evident.

“The council are certainly not complacent and have already taken steps to respond to concerns raised.” the