A spotlight on junction
Safety concerns at road site
Transport bosses have agreed to discuss safety concerns at a danger junction at the entrance to Blair Drummond Safari Park.
Residents and politicians have long been raising concerns over near misses on the A84 at the entrance to the popular attraction.
Now Transport Scotland bosses, the owners of the safari park and local representatives are set to meet to discuss the concerns.
Worried residents say that the stretch of road has several near misses on a regular basis and also of serious concern has been the possible danger to pedestrians who use the area to access public transport.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart was the latest politician to highlight the problem.
He wrote to transport minister, Humza Yousaf, to raise the concerns in July following numerous complaints from constituents.
Transport Scotland said congestion issues are only apparent during peak times and raised budget constraints as a reason for no action to date having been taken to make the junction safer.
Transport chiefs have previously refused to reconsider changes to the layout because not enough serious accidents had taken place on the road to meet criteria that would make it a priority.
Mr Lockhart said: “This is encouraging news for local residents and road users who have themselves witnessed many near misses on this stretch of road.
“The offer of a meeting, including local community members, is a positive step towards a constructive discussion over what the appropriate action should be.
“I will continue to work with all interested parties to ensure that we maintain an open and honest dialogue.”
Stirling MSP, Bruce Crawford added: “Over the years, there have been a number of meetings with local communities, residents, Transport Scotland, local representatives, and Blair Drummond Safari Park to discuss this matter. However, further comment on this issue is always positive.
“I remain in contact with Transport Scotland with regards to this and I’m delighted that Dean too is keen to pursue any action that can be taken.”
Trossachs and Teith Councillor, Martin Earl said: “I’m delighted there is to be a meeting regarding this issue. Transport Scotland need to recognise that the current situation is not sustainable and sensible discussions with all interested parties must take place to make some material changes to this dangerous location.”
Nearby residents have said that long queues of traffic frequently form, particularly at weekends or holidays, when the number of visitors to the park is high. Residents have also complained that queues sometimes stretch as far as the outskirts of Stirling.
In August this year, one resident, who stays yards from the danger spot, said that Transport Scotland need to ‘use their eyes rather than criteria’.
They said: “Queue warning signs seem a slight improvement but until Transport Scotland use their eyes rather than ‘criteria’ the risk of a young family on a day out dying is real. Can Transport Scotland and Stirling Council get together and resolve this problem before blood is spilled”.
A date has yet to be set for the meeting.