Manhole cover is to be replaced
BEAR Scotland is set to replace a manhole cover near the Corran Halls in Oban after a man blamed it for causing a crash on his motorcycle.
Karl Hughes from Tiree says his rear wheel slipped on the ‘mirror-like’ manhole cover at the roundabout on the A85 on Sunday November 24.
Writing to The Oban Times, he said: ‘At approximately 3.30pm, I lost control of my motorcycle at low speed at the lower of the two small roundabouts adjacent to the Corran Halls.
‘I had just come off the Tiree ferry and was on my way through a very busy Oban. My rear wheel slipped on a polished, mirror like manhole cover that is at the very start of the clockwise turn.’
He said he was in ‘ferry traffic’ travelling at less than 20 mph when his bike flipped and flung him onto the road.
‘I suffered a multiple fracture of my left arm,’ he added. ‘I would, if at all possible, like to acknowledge my heartfelt thanks to a young gent from, I believe, Dalmally who instantly stopped his car and came to my rescue.
‘Not only did he help arrange moving my large motorcycle out of the road but he also took me to A and E.
‘I was in quite a state and the man was an absolute star. I wish I knew his name to say thanks now that I am on the mend.
‘I think it would be timely to remind folk to watch out for the hazard of poor or substandard manhole covers and potholes etc on our roads. I plan to ensure that BEAR get this manhole repaired or removed before somebody else gets injured or worse.’
A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: ‘We attended the location to carry out a safety inspection and erected temporary signs as a precaution to advise motorists to use extra care. A new manhole cover is expected to be installed.
‘Trunk road safety is our top priority and we will continue to monitor the area.’