Call for new safety review on A94 route
Councillor wants action on Perth-Scone road
A Perth councillor has called for an urgent review of road safety on the A94 Perth to Scone route as well as a cut in the speed limit following a fatal accident on the outskirts of the city earlier this year.
Perth City Centre councillor Peter Barrett has written to the council’s environment service reporting a number of issues and concerns relayed to him by local residents who were shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Mary Lawson.
The 80-year-old suffered serious injuries when she was struck by a Land Rover towing a trailer near her home in Gannochy on January 3 and she sadly succumbed to her injuries at Ninewells Hospital five days later.
Councillor Barrett has since compiled a comprehensive list of road safety issues raised by local residents in the wake of the accident and has suggested the council make a number of improvements along the route to better protect pedestrians.
He told the PA: “Gannochy residents have had serious concerns about the dangers to pedestrians crossing the A94 at the bus stops at Whinniemuir and Kinmond Court.
“Those dangers and the safety of pedestrians who use this crossing have to be reviewed and addressed as a matter of urgency.”
The Liberal Democrat elected member continued: “Traffic speeds on the A94 and the absence of a pedestrian controlled crossing are the biggest concern for residents.
“The bus stops are used by elderly residents of sheltered housing in Kinmond Court and Gannochy Walk as well as other elderly residents in the area.
“There are also a considerable number of school children who use the No.7 bus and have to cross the road at Whinniemuir farm on their return home from school.
“I have asked that a pedestrian controlled crossing is given urgent consideration.”
Calling for a revision of the 40mph speed limit along the route, Councillor Barrett went on: “Residents want the 30mph speed limit to be extended from Gannochy Corner out towards Scone and to include the Whinniemuir bus stop.
“At present there is a 40mph sign fixed at the bus stop. Extending the 30mph would bring the lower speed limit in line with the city boundary and the perimeter of the Gannochy built up area to the east of the A94.”
Councillor Barrett said local residents had also raised concerns about inconsistent road safety markings and signage on the A94 approaches to Scone and Perth and went on to suggest further measures to reduce traffic speeds.
“On the northbound carriageway towards Scone there is a system of three countdown makers with coloured road markings and roadstrips to reduce vehicle speeds of traffic entering Scone – on the approach to Perth, there is nothing at all,” he said.
“There are only a couple of elderly people crossing warning triangles fixed to lampposts ahead of Whinniemuir but the signs are not the same distance from the crossing.
“We need assurance that the signs are positioned correctly for optimum effect. I have reported the defective lighting on the northbound sign.”
Councillor Barrett has asked that the review also consider the impact and provision of other crossings in the area.
”Further towards the city there is a pedestrian controlled crossing at the Ardfern Guest House on Pitcullen Crescent,” he said.
“The crossing was intended to assist sheltered housing residents in Gannochy Avenue but they and the community have long expressed concerns that the crossing is in the wrong place and is poorly used.
“It would be far better if it was located beyond Kincarrathie House where it could have a traffic calming effect on traffic accelerating out of the city and benefit the residents it was intended to serve.”
In response to Councillor Barrett’s comments a Perth and Kinross Council spokeswoman said: “We had already been in discussion with Councillor Barrett regarding Hadden Road and Pedwarden Road. Alongside this, we have also recently had another representation from the local community regarding road safety in the Gannochy area.
“We will be assessing existing road safety measures in this area and determining whether any additional measures may be necessary in consultation with local elected members and the community.” Councillor Peter Barrett, pictured elsewhere in his ward