Mixed views on plans for traffic-calming measures
Road safety must be put first
Residents against traffic- calming measures could slam the brakes on plans to slow down motorists near two primary schools in Newmains.
Neighbours are divided over proposals to introduce speed bumps on School Road near Newmains Primary and speed cushions in Newton Drive, near St Brigid’s.
The plans were discussed at last Wednesday night’s Newmains Community Council meeting held in the NCT Centre and attended by independent councillor Robert McKendrick.
He said: “A few people have contacted councillor John Taggart and myself about these proposals. “Some are for it and some are against. “It is not so much in School Road but if speed bumps are introduced in Newton Drive, there are fears the traffic will move to Park Drive.
“There was a little boy knocked down at Newmains Primary School in the past and a little boy knocked down last year in Newton Drive.
“Speeding is horrendous at schools, but particularly at primary schools.”
And councillor McKendrick added: “It is not simple as putting the traffic-calming measures in.
“You need to look at the pros and cons and what is good and bad about them.
“Some people say that we are talking about getting new schools in Newmains and asking are you going to put these in and lift them again. as that would be a waste of money. “But there needs to be a balance of safety.” One community councillor said that trafficcalming measures introduced in Morningside have been a waste of time. “They don’t work,” he added. “I asked for speed bumps in Morningside and now I wish I had kept my mouth shut. “I am dead against them. “Vans and lorries go over them anyway. They make little difference. “They are a waste of time.” The community council decided not to make any formal representation on the issue when consulted by North Lanarkshire Council.
John Harper, chairman of the community council, said he was in favour of controlling the speed of traffic near schools. He said: “I can see both sides. “I am in favour of the principle of traffic controls near schools, especially when there has been an accident.”
Another said the controversial chicanes introduced in Wishaw Road, Waterloo, would be better solution to slow down fast drivers. One member at the meeting suggested that speed cameras to clock fast drivers speeds were needed to catch drivers who flout speed restrictions.