One-way system reaction
Measures are welcomed ... and condemned
The implementation of a new one-way traffic system in Stirling city centre has earned mixed reviews.
Local people have had their say on the measure which was brought in on Sunday (May 1) and affects Murray Place and Station Road.
Changes have also been made to bus routes and public transport timetables as a result.
The implementation of a new one-way traffic system in Stirling city centre has been met with mixed reaction.
Vehicles are now only able to travel down Murray Place and Station Road, with motorists unable to turn on to Station Road from the roundabout near the train station.
All traffic coming from the train and bus station is now required to travel further along Goosecroft Road before turning left on to Viewfield Place and approaching Murray Place via Barnton Street.
The measures were put in place on Sunday (May 1) as part of the Stirling Station Gateway Project which aims to create a better welcome for those arriving in the city, make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around and improve access to public transport.
Changes have also been made to bus routes and timetables as part of the system which appears to have divided local opinion.
Local resident Sharon Lay reckons the development could potentially be a positive thing for the city.
The 35-year-old said: “I think it’s a good step. The congestion on these streets can get pretty bad with the buses so hopefully this reduces that.
“Time will tell how much of a difference it is going to make, though. I suppose it might cause some more traffic problems at the Craigs Roundabout as some might use it more.”
Marion Cuthbertson, 76, was frustrated nobody made her aware of the changes to the bus services. She said: “I didn’t even know until a gentleman passed me at the bus stop (near Oxfam) and told me buses weren’t running that way. I find it quite frustrating as I didn’t see any notices.”
The local authority insist the changes to the bus service are displayed on most buses and at city centre stops.
One person who has no complaints about the location of the new bus stop location was Mohammed Ahmad, manager of the Costcutter store on Murray Place.
He said: “The buses are now going to stop right outside the front door of our shop so this is good for us.
“We hope it has a positive impact on the business with more customers coming in.”
However, Stirling shopper Michael Hapkar, 59, was stinging in his criticism of the new layout.
He said: “This simply won’t work – it’s a rubbish idea.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of people in the town who didn’t want this but they simply aren’t listened to.
“It’s the bus stops that have been causing the congestion. The best idea would be widen the road and that would let the cars past.
“Now anyone wanting to drive in to the centre of Stirling is going to have to travel a longer distance and it will just cause congestion elsewhere.”
Harold Balgowan, general manager at The Golden Lion Hotel, reckons the measure will just act to confuse visitors trying to navigate the city.
He said: “There are already problems as traffic using a sat-nav to get to King Street end up at the top of the street – and it’s one way.
“I personally feel that another change is just going to confuse matters further.
“It’s also going to cost people taking taxis from the bus or train station more money to get to the centre as they have to travel further.”