Question mark over the future of problematic bollard street

Access to a neighbourhood in Perth could be sealed off permanently after a faulty bollard left council bosses with a hefty repair bill.

Local authority chiefs have spent more than a year considering a problematic section of Florence Place. They have proposed closing off part of the route to stop vehicles using it as a thoroughfare to Dunkeld Road.

A series of options was put to residents last summer.

However, officers said the results of the consultation did not provide a definitive solution.

Locals were asked if they wanted to keep the bollard; block off the street or open it up to two-way traffic.

Although the majority of respondents favoured reopening the street, most people who actually stayed on Florence Street wanted the bollard retained.

Councillors will be asked to discuss a way forward at the next environment and infrastructure committee on Wednesday.

The consultation followed a series of problems with the bollard which was installed in an effort to ease traffic.

One driver reported that his BMW suffered £4,500 of damage when the bollard suddenly raised, smashing through the car’s engine.

It is understood several other motorists were involved in similar accidents.

Traffic and network manager Charles Haggart said: “There has been an ongoing issue due to the bollard and traffic management system being abused on a regular basis.

“Damage is caused to the bollard and while it is out of action and being repaired, traffic flows freely in both directions.”

The cost of blocking the road would be around £7,500.