Speed sign win

Flashing signal is to be repositioned

A controversial 30mph flashing sign is to be moved following a campaign by Comrie residents.

The village’s community council has been urging transport bosses to relocate the sign further west out of the village towards St Fillans after complaints of speeding.

They believe that moving the sign from its current location, on the A85 near Glasdale and the Ross Bridge, towards the outskirts of Comrie will slow traffic down as it comes into the village.

Residents had spoken of fears that a child could be killed or injured by cars which are going too fast as they drive into Comrie.

An official from Transport Scotland, which is responsible for all Scotland’s trunk roads, attended the community council meeting on Thursday last week to listen to the community’s traffic concerns first hand.

The organisation had also been carrying out speed surveys in the village to monitor traffic speeds as an initial step.

They now plan to move the flashing 30mph sign in the next financial year and introduce new signs warning drivers that pedestrians may be crossing the road.

Community council chair Sandra McRitchie told the Herald: “It was a very productive meeting with a lot of time spent speaking to Transport Scotland and two local police officers, who also attended, about moving the 30mph sign.

“We are delighted to say they have now agreed to move the sign further out although there is still come debate about exactly where it will go.

“There was a lot of discussion about the fact that children are having to cross the road to get from their houses to school in that area and they are being buzzed by cars coming fast into the village.

“There’s no pavement around there either which is also a concern.

“We’re really pleased with how Transport Scotland has listened to us but more work will still need to be done around the safety of children on the road because it’s such a dangerous area to cross.”

Mrs McRitchie is hoping further traffic calming measures might be considered at that end of the village once the sign is moved.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland welcomed the productive meeting and opportunity to hear Comrie residents’ concerns first hand last Thursday.

“Following the speed survey in response to community concerns, we presented our proposal to relocate the 30mph vehicle activated sign.

“While the exact location is subject to detailed design, we intend moving it closer to the 30mph limit sign west of the village so it is visible from the start of the speed limit.

“This will be in the next financial year, as the current budget is fully committed.”

She said the organisation is also moving forward with plans to lower the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph between Comrie and St Fillans and for additional pedestrian warning signs in Comrie.

She said: “In the meantime, we are progressing the A85 Comrie to St Fillans 50mph speed limit order which will be going to independent arbitration shortly following two unresolved objections.

“Following feedback at the meeting, we are also considering where to put in additional signage alerting drivers to pedestrian activity in the village.”