Lockdown speeders causing danger to residents

Lockdown speeders are causing problems in residential areas according to councillors.

Tory councillor Bryan Flannagan raised the issue at a virtual meeting of Stirling Council last week, saying something needed to be done in his own ward.

He asked if measures could be urgently implemented in Pike Road to address continued road safety issues on the stretch.

Environment and housing convener Councillor Jim Thomson said:“Traffic management measures have been installed along Pike Road to address road safety issues and assist pedestrians. These include vehicle activated signs, traffic islands, pedestrian crossing islands and a speed limit reduction to 30mph. There have also been works carried out to widen adjacent footways.

“Officers are aware that the community are concerned over an increased in traffic speeds on Pike Road recently, particularly during the lockdown period when traffic volumes were lower.

“Speed surveys are being undertaken and this information will be shared with local ward members and the community.”

Councillor Flannagan said while he appreciated initiatives had been carried out, these had originally been done as mitigation measures while roadworks were being carried out on the Kerse Road bridge.

But Councillor Thomson said he was not alone in concerns about speeding issues during the lockdown.

He added:“This is a problem across the board. I live in a quite area myself and it disturbs me the speeds some vehicles are going. That’s particularly because the roads are quieter.

“I’m happy to speak with any community council or anyone who has a concern. Let’s hope we get out of this current situation quickly but meantime I’m happy to do that.”

Stats revealed in a written answer to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell recently showed up to a third of vehicles travelling on Transport Scotland roads during lockdown were speeding.

The Greens have called for a review as lockdown easing has seen an increase in traffic on roads, and ahead of schools going back in August.

Mr Ruskell said:“At a time when more people than ever are walking and cycling, it is unacceptable that there has been persistent dangerous driving. As traffic levels build up again this could present even more of a danger to those taking their daily exercise close to home, as per the government’s guidelines.”