Investigations into speed reduction near schools
BEAR andTransport Scotland will look at measures
said: “In terms of the next steps we will be undertaking some investigation and outline design work to explore possible improvement options in Methven.
“These will be directed at helping control vehicle speeds at the eastern end of the village in particular and also reviewing general traffic management provision through the village itself.
“We anticipate that this initial review of possible improvement options will take place in October.
“We will then be able to meet again and discuss the initial findings to seek input into any future measures in the village.”
Methven Primary School is one of many across Perth and Kinross preparing to potentially lose its lollipop patroller following a council decision made at the start of the year.
Almond and Earn councillor David Illingworth said: “Pop-up Jim has been a fantastic success in reminding drivers to mind their speed and real progress has been made in persuading Transport Scotland to improve road safety on the A85 in Methven.
“I would like to applaud the efforts of Child Safety Methven and especially Sarah Fergusson.
“Road safety is top of the list of concerns that constituents come to me about, so I was very sad to see that the council decided to remove the school crossing patroller from Methven.
“However, the council has been subjected to £5 million of cuts, so hard decisions have to be made.”
A community speedwatch would arm volunteers with speed guns, but Sarah wants to see the local authority reverse the crossing patroller cuts.
She said: “Whilst I understand cuts have to be made you cannot put a price on the safety of children and residents.
“The situation in Methven is somewhat different to other local schools as it is located on the trunk road and we are restricted to what measures can be taken to reduce speeds. speed past Methven Primary School, Main Street, Methven (A85)
“Bear Scotland and Transport Scotland have been very helpful in assisting the group.”
The local authority last week brushed off the surveys carried out on the A85.
A PKC spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns being raised here, however it is worth bearing in mind that the surveys in question were partly carried out during a school holiday period, and the survey location was some distance from the pedestrian crossing, which would potentially impact on the vehicle speeds being recorded on what is already a busy trunk road.”