Motorists are fuming at changes
Strathaven motorists are being driven round the bend by a “sudden” change to a busy junction.
The new look to the Commercial Road, Hamilton Road, and Glassford Road junction was put in place over the festive period.
Avondale councillor Graeme Campbell said he was aware of planned changes after an East Overton planning application was submitted back in 2014.
However, he feels the timing has left some drivers confused at the sudden alteration, with some of the old signage remaining at the roadside weeks after the switch.
The Conservative further revealed that he had received an apology from senior council bosses over “the complete lack of communication” with residents.
“The fact it happened midweek, in mid-december really caught me by surprise,” said Cllr Campbell.
“I had met senior South Lanarkshire Council roads officers and Strathaven Community Council transport working group and it was clear this sudden change to the junction caught everyone by surprise and, in my opinion, that is the crux of the problem here.
“No-one had time to prepare for the change in road layout at one of the town’s major junctions.
“It came into operation during the midwinter and it was dark, adding to the problems, and four weeks on the developer still had not put the proper road signs in place and, in fact, there was still a give-way sign on Hamilton Road, just adding to the confusion.
“Senior council officers have apologised for the complete lack of communication.”
He continued: “Regarding the junction change itself it was fully consulted on as part of the East Overton planning process.
“I advised the public many years ago that this junction would change.
“As an elected member, I have absolutely no say over road design or re-design.
“Over the last decade, I received numerous complaints about alleged speeding in the area.
“This junction change is just one of many traffic improvement projects we’re considering across Strathaven in coming years.”
Head of Roads and Transportation at South Lanarkshire Council, Gordon Mackay, defended the changes, noting that most people are using “due care and attention” on the route.
Mr Mackay said: “The recent change to the priorities at this junction were required to ensure the junction would operate efficiently as a result of the additional traffic generated by the East Overton housing development.
“We anticipate the junction will operate more effectively and will be an improvement from the current situation in due course.
“We have inspected the area and are satisfied there is adequate signage to warn drivers of the changes and are further satisfied that motorists approaching from Glassford Road are aware of changes due to the introduction of the trafficcalming features.
“Our observations indicate that the majority of motorists are driving with due care and attention.
“We acknowledge that the level of information provided to the public before the works commenced could have been better and that some remedial works remain outstanding, and we are in discussion with the developer to have these issues addressed urgently.
“As with any alterations to the road network, it can take drivers some time to become accustomed to changes and we anticipate this to be the case at this junction. We will continue to monitor the impact of these changes over the next few weeks.”