No-go for speed reduction on‘danger’road
Council bosses say they have no plans to change the speed limit on Crosslee Road, following complaints made by a Houston group, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.
The village’s community council warned the current 60mph speed limit was not appropriate and asked Renfrewshire Council to consider its reduction to 30mph.
However, the local authority said they were “not currently planning” to change the speed limit but would be willing to discuss the issue with residents.
A statement f rom Houston Community Council reads: “At its meeting on October 17, Houston Community Council fully supported the unanimous call to Renfrewshire Council from the residents of Crosslee Road that the speed limit on this road be reduced from 60mph to 30mph, and has written to the local authority requesting that this change be implemented without delay.
“This is a narrow residential road with no public footpath where the line of sight is frequently very limited due to bends and hill summits.
“In addition, Crosslee Road provides access to the National Cycle Network, so cars travelling along it at high speed pose a danger to residents, pedestrians and cyclists alike.
“In an era where the Scottish Government is committed to encouraging active travel it makes no sense that vehicles are allowed to travel at 60 mph on a road like Crosslee Road that is otherwise ideally suited to this purpose.”
Councillor Scott Kerr, who represents Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, added: “It is completely inappropriate that Crosslee Road continues to have a 60mph speed limit.
“This is a road which is a gateway to a key local cycle path, so we should not be putting people in danger by continuing to have such a high speed limit.
“Local residents have made it clear that they wished to see a significant fall in the speed limit and I hope Renfrewshire Council can implement their request as quickly as possible.”
The council said road users should drive to its layout and conditions at all times, lower speeds when appropriate.
A spokesman said: “We are not currently planning to alter the speed limit on Crosslee Road, although we note the issues raised and would be happy to discuss the proposal with Houston Community Council at its next meeting.
“While the national speed limit is in place on this road, motorists should drive to the road layout and conditions at all times, which includes lowering speeds where they see potential hazards.
“This section of road has not been a source of accidents but we will continue to monitor it, as we do in all areas of Renfrewshire, to ensure appropriate road safety.”