Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Villagers get a say on road safety plans
Residents of two Airdrie villages are to be asked for their views on potential road improvements to address safety concerns.
Traffic surveys have been carried out in Chapelhall and Calderbank to examine the speed and volume of traffic using local routes, and North Lanarkshire Council will now publish the outcome next month.
A three-week consultation will then take place online to allow road users to give their views on possible changes, ranging from speed tables to roundabouts.
A North Lanarkshire statement said: “In response to road safety concerns raised by local residents, the council undertook a series of detailed surveys to assess traffic conditions through Calderbank and Chapelhall.
“Information from these will be included in the reports, which will be published on our website in midfebruary.
“These will provide the basis for public consultation and give communities the opportunity to provide feedback on a number of potential road safety improvements; local residents and businesses will be invited to take part in a three-week online consultation.”
Calderbank’s traffic study was carried out during autumn to establish vehicle volumes along the B802 through the area, including how many use the route as a through road rather than travelling to or from the village itself.
The study in Chapelhall reviewed measures including the chicanes and speed tables put in place during October 2019 on Woodhall Street, as well as a weight restriction to deter
lorries from the local-traffic route, plus a reduced speed limit of 20mph throughout the village.
Airdrie South councillor Paul Di Mascio told the Advertiser: “There have been long-standing road issues in Calderbank and Chapelhall due to through traffic, which have also caused safety and pollution concerns.
“I’d strongly urge all residents of Calderbank and Chapelhall to view the data being published in February and to please participate in the consultation to make their views known – it’s vital that their views are heard.”
The Chapelhall proposals will look at measures already in place or which may be required at different points along its main route of Woodhall and Lauchope Street, and Councillor Di Mascio added: “Whether any
changes here are accepted or not will be down to residents.
“Officers have looked at the overall issues along Woodhall Street, including, importantly, the end of the village nearer the library [as well as] the area where speed tables are currently situated, and I look forward to seeing the options.
“I’m aware that many residents don’t support any changes to the current speed tables at the end of village closest to the new motorway access; and I would encourage all residents to ensure they give their feedback on all aspects.”
He said of Calderbank: “It’s long needed road improvements and more specifically safety measures, an issue that local residents have made it clear for years that they wished to see action on.
“It’s very difficult simply to
cross the road safely from the main residential areas to the shop, pharmacy and Calderbank Primary on the other side of Main Street.
“The issues of speeding and traffic volume have appeared to worsen since the motorway improvements a few years ago, and many residents also find difficulty in getting out onto the main road due to through traffic, particularly at peak times.
“I’m delighted residents’ and councillors’ voices are being heard; I’ve been very encouraged so far and hope to see measures given the goahead following completion of the consultation process.
“Residents should be encouraged to participate as it’s vital that they’re happy with the solutions and a project is approved that keeps people safe.”