Double white lines won’t stop overtaking

Sir, With regards to the safety of the Oban to Connel stretch of the A85, there are a number of points not mentioned in previous editorials and correspondence.

First, double white lines do not stop drivers or motorcyclists from overtaking. I have seen drivers overtake on double whites, north- and south-bound, on the section just north of Pennyfuir. Similarly, overtaking takes place at the Dunbeg junction, crossing into the red shaded areas, again both north- and south-bound.

The second point is that cyclists need a safer way to travel along this road. I have gasped at how close some vehicles have come to knocking the cyclist into the gutter, while overtaking at speed. Other drivers who have sensibly slowed right down, then proceed to pass, giving the cyclist a wide berth, then find themselves facing oncoming fast traffic on blind bends.

Finally, for our very slow-moving visitors or locals, who are oblivious to ‘normal’ or ‘sensible’ driving speed or are too busy looking at the scenery, maps or other distractions instead of the traffic behind them, there need to be more lay-bys and signs with messages such as ‘Take a rest’ or ‘Use your mirrors’ and countless other combinations.

Where you would build the lay-bys, though, is another topic for correspondence. Alistair Cameron, by email.