Study done into A85 safety

A ROAD safety study is currently being carried out on the A85 between Oban and Connel by Transport Scotland.

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said the community will be notified of its completion in the next few months.

The Oban Times has been campaigning since the beginning of the year for improvements to be made to this section of road.

We started the campaign due to the number of tragic and heartbreaking accidents that have taken place on that stretch of road over decades. At least 11 people have died in the past 17 years.

So far our petition has been signed by more than 200 people asking for three main improvements to be made.

The Stay Alive on the A85 petition is calling for a reduction in the speed limit, an extension of the double white lines to prevent overtaking between Connel and Oban, and a lay-by to be created at Pennyfuir Cemetery.

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: ‘We welcomed the opportunity to engage with both Oban Community Council in June this year and subsequently the opportunity to attend the question-and-answer session called by Dunbeg Community Council alongside Argyll and Bute Council representatives.

‘During this engagement we listened to the community concerns and provided an overview of our road safety study on the A85 between Connel and Oban which will include issues raised by the community.

‘Next steps will be dependent on the outcome of the study and we will update the local community in the coming months.

‘In addition to this study, electronic pedestrian wig wag signs at Pennyfuir Cemetery have recently been upgraded. We also carried out vegetation clearance work on the A85 earlier this year, including through the Dunbeg area, improving visibility for A85 users.’

Sign the petition at www. obantimes.co.uk/stayalive85