Speeding at local hot spots remains a problem
It will be June before councillors discuss speeding and dangerous roads in the rural hinterland north of Bathgate- aImost six months after locals aired their concerns with a petition to West Lothian Council.
Local councillor Stuart Borrowman had circulated research conducted among constituents about the three most dangerous areas around Torphichen, Cathlaw Lane, Westfield Road and Slackend Crossroads.
All three areas now see much more traffic than they used to and while many of the roads in the areas are 40mph zones, locals say this is too dangerous.
Comments gathered by Councillor Borrowman highlight a litany of near-misses and threats to life and limb.
On Cathlaw Lane residents complain that the narrow rural road has become a rat run shortcut to Linlithgow.
One said: “The speed of some vehicles is shocking,” while a neighbour added: “a car collided with our neighbour’s bin, catapulting them 20 feet into our garden and damaging our family vehicle.
Another local complained: “Vehicles are travelling far too fast, leading to fierce braking and road rage incidents”.
On Westfield Road one resident said: “It’s ridiculous that the current speed limit is 40 mph in a residential area with many private driveways and concealed entrances.
“The speed is unbelievable and there are parked cars and a blind corner at St John’s Place.”
Another added: “It’s dangerous coming out of Manse Road as the corner is blind.
“I wind down my window to listen for traffic as it’s impossible to see.”
And the problems aren’t restricted to these two areas.
People living near Slackend Crossroads have similar stories.
One said :“Slackend is a nightmare with a staggered crossroads and an access to private residences.”
Councillor Borrowman said: “I invited comment only from people living on or adjacent these stretches of road (and from Torphichen Community Council).
“Residents in Torphichen have been concerned for some time about traffic speeds and safety on Westfield road, through Slackend staggered crossroads and on Cathlaw Lane.
“The situation has worsened with increased traffic volumes.
“It has also been thrown into sharper profile by the recent installation of 20 mph limits in other settlements, contrasting with the 40 mph limits on these roads in Torphichen.”
Police Scotland stated at Armadale and Blackridge Local Area Committee on December 11, 2020, that “people are seeing the benefits from the psychology of bringing down speeds generally.”
Councillor Borrowman continued: “This now appears to be going to PDSP in June.
“I’m pleased this will now receive consideration.
“Although I’d have hoped it would have been discussed at the March meeting.
“Reducing the speed limits here would provide some reassurance to residents in Torphichen at low cost and would align the limits with the expansion of the village over recent years.”