20mph limits ‘at long last’
New speed signs for two towns
New speed restrictions will be implemented through Crieff and Comrie.
BEAR Scotland, which is carrying out the work on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council, was last week erecting 20mph signage on sections of the A85, which runs through both communities.
The 20mph speed limits were initially proposed last summer for a trial period under the Spaces for People project in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
And since then Strathearn ward SNP councillor Stewart Donaldson has been among those pushing for the implementation of the scheme, most recently raising the issue of why the proposed trial reductions had not yet been implemented at a meeting of the council’s environment and infrastructure committee.
Cllr Donaldson has discovered the delays on the sign installation were due to the A85 being on the trunk road network, meaning necessary Transport Scotland and Bear Scotland administration protocols had to be followed.
But work is now at an advanced stage in Crieff and near completion.
The necessary work at the west end of Comrie is also complete, with only the electrical works still to be completed, as well as some outstanding work for the east end of Comrie.
Cllr Donaldson said the work is expected to be complete by September 11 in both communities.
He commented: “It may have taken a year, but persistence has paid off.
“The possibility of these 20mph limits was raised under the Spaces for People programme in July/August last year. Since then I have raised the matter on several occasions with council officers, and on council committees.
“At long last action has been taken. Why that has taken more than a year I really do question.”
Cllr Donaldson would have liked to see the signs begin further out of town.
He continued: “However, although progress has been made there are still one or two questions that I want to ask of the council. Not least is the fact that coming into Crieff from Perth the 20mph limit starts at Leadenflower.
“I have argued strongly for that limit to start at the Legion on Perth Road, and cover the junction with Dollerie Terrace.”
Meanwhile, some community councillors in Crieff have concerns that a 20mph limit will see a more constant flow of traffic creating more congestion, especially if the signage begins near the Legion’s clubrooms.
Crieff CC chairman Harry Thomason commented: “I agree it’s a good thing for Comrie but I don’t think it will work in Crieff.
“It will just cause congestion at the junctions, such as Strathearn Terrace and Dollerie Terrace.
“At Leadenflower Road we have buses coming down and turning and going back out. If they can’t get out that’s a lot of irate passengers.
“There will be a stream of traffic all in a line. It’s hard enough trying to make a right turn on to the High Street.
“We have a problem in Crieff where it jams up on the High Street.
“The town clock area jams up at the moment with delivery lorries and buses. “It’s going to be chaos.”
Cllr Donaldson added: “The key thing is it’s a trial period so we will see how it goes.”
A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: “Our teams have made good progress assisting Perth and Kinross Council install new 20mph zone signs on the A85 through Crieff and Comrie.
“The project got under way last month and ground works are expected to be completed by the end of September.
“The speed limit will be ready to go live once traffic orders are in place.
“Road safety remains a top priority for BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland and once this project through Crieff and Comrie is completed it will enhance road safety in the area.”