Steel Street speed calming plans finally get green light
Residents delight after traffic plans put in place
Plans for speed bumps on a dangerous Wishaw street have been welcomed by residents.
Campaigns to help implement safety restrictions on Steel Street have been on and off for the past 30 years.
However, lead by local resident Wilma Hall, the community felt they were making tracks on their plans more than a decade ago.
In 2006, neighbours said they were promised by former First Minister and ex Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Jack McConnell that action would be taken to put the brakes on speeding drivers in the busy street.
However, after being told they would be included in one of the phases of the streetscape plans, they were later told there was no money left for them.
However, now it appears residents may have finally got their wish after plans were made to intsall speed cushions, almost two metres long.
Wilma said: “Since we moved in here 30 years ago we’ve been complaining to the council about this so it’s great to see that it’s finally happening.
“At times we had been told that someone needed to die for it to be looked at and I’m glad it hasn’t came to that.
“Three cars have went through the wall at the bottom of the hill. We have cars, lorries and all sorts coming through the street. “The only thing that doesn’t pass by the house are the trains! “Everyone always wants to use the street as a shortcut to avoid the traffic lights but hopefully this will put people off and make it safer. “We’ve had plenty of petitions and campaigns the past few years and it’s great to see the hard work paying off.” Neighbour John Curran said: “The boy racers love to go up and down the street so hopefully this will stop them.
“The council were out measuring where the speed bumps would go last week so we just have to hope there isn’t enough space for folk to be able to drive in between them.
“It’s good that they’re finally doing it though.”
Jacqueline Curran added: “We’ve got a five-year-old grandson and we’d always make sure our front gate was closed because you wouldn’t want him going too close to that road with the speed the cars go by.
“Between about 8am and 6pm the road is busy so hopefully the speed bumps will make a difference.”
Central Wishaw councillor Fiona Fotheringham is delighted that residents have been listened to.
Councillor Fotheringham added: “Living locally, I am well aware of the ongoing issues regarding volume and speed of traffic in this area for a number of years.
“I have spoken to many of the fed up residents who welcome the decision for traffic calming measures.
“As winter approaches these roads are particularly treacherous and hopefully further accidents can be prevented.
“As a new councillor I am delighted that the petition and community voice is finally being heard and common sense has prevailed.”