The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
20mph speed limits get ‘strong support’
A977: Consultation leads to ‘real groundswell of support for road safety measures’, says councillor
Council chiefs have been told that only the imposition of widespread 20mph speed limits will protect Kinross-shire communities from harm.
The call has come from villages and hamlets along the route of the busy A977, which has been the scene of numerous accidents in recent years.
There has also been considerable community support for the introduction of vehicle-activated signs at village gateways.
The demands are the result of a widespread consultation undertaken by local councillors Mike Barnacle and Dave Cuthbert into road safety on the east-to-west route.
It is used by a high volume of traffic on a daily basis and is a popular cross-country route with heavy goods vehicles but ploughs through the heart of many small communities.
The area was one of the first in Scotland to adopt the community speedwatch scheme on a pilot basis and its residents are hopeful the local authority will make Kinross-shire the next focus of road safety action.
Mr Barnacle, who has been leading a consultation on how money within the council’s budget should be spent in Kinross-shire, said he believes road safety would be an appropriate use.
“There has been a real groundswell of support for road safety measures,” Mr Barnacle said.
“Councillor Cuthbert and I put a wide range of ideas to the community, some of which have been raised over many years.
“We received significant feedback from residents. It is clear there is very strong community support for 20mph zones in particular.
“It would not be appropriate for there to be long stretches of reduced speed limit. That would not work.
“Instead, the 20mph zones suggested would be in the very centre of the villages.”
Mr Barnacle said the findings are being collated and would be passed to Perth and Kinross Council roads officers.
Once officials have looked at the consultation’s findings, they are expected to consult Kinross and Fossoway and District Community Councils and with communities after the local government elections.
Mr Barnacle added he was surprised more residents had not expressed an interest in introducing roundabouts to the road.
“This has long been a proposal,” he said. “As long as there is a straight road without bends or impediments such as roundabouts – as there is at Blairingone and between Crook of Devon and Drum – then people will exceed the speed limit.”
As long as there is a straight road without bends or impediments such as roundabouts – as there is at Blairingone and between Crook of Devon and Drum – then people will exceed the speed limit. COUNCILLOR MIKE BARNACLE