No new cycle lanes for two towns in next financial year

No more new cycle lanes are set to be built in Rutherglen or Cambuslang over the next financial year, the Reformer can reveal.

Although councillors have approved an additional £140,000 funding to improve the area’s cycling network, it is understood this will go towards improving existing routes rather than creating new ones.

The news comes after weeks of controversy surrounding the new layout on Cambuslang Main Street and Hamilton Road.

Both motorists and cyclists have blasted the changes, branding them a “waste of money” that do little to keep people safe.

Councillors approved their capital programme for road safety engineering works for 2016/17 at a road safety forum on Monday.

They gave the green light to spending totalling £671,000, of which £140,000 is earmarked for: “Development of cycle infrastructure to increase cycling.”

Gordon Mackay, head of roads and transportation, said: “While funding for the cycle schemes has been secured, they are at a concept stage only and specific, detailed proposals have yet to be developed.”

However, the Reformer understands there are no plans to develop new routes or lanes in the near future.

Rutherglen and Cambuslang will also benefit from £20,000 to support measures identified through previous and ongoing school travel plans as well as discussions with schools.

Gordon Mackay added: “We are currently progressing a traffic regulation order at St Charles Primary School in Cambuslang which is intended to prevent cars parking on a roundabout adjacent to the school.

“Discouraging such inappropriate parking will improve road safety.”