‘Perception of danger’ at A811 junction

‘Drivers treat turn with due respect - as it looks difficult’

Danger is helping to keep a controversial rural junction near Gargunnock safe according to council roads officers.

Work to upgrade the A811 main West Stirlingshire route was prompted by a petition sent to Stirling Council by residents concerned about safety there.

In the last 18 months, the surface of the road from Touch Home Farm to Kippen Station roundabout has been patched while centre lines have been re-painted.

Resurfacing, new cats eyes and road markings have all been carried out and speed cameras have been installed. And further improvements are earmarked for the next financial year.

At a meeting of the council’s environment and housing committee last Thursday, officials said there had been no recorded injury accidents on the A811, near its Kirk Lane junction, in the last 10 years.

Tory councillor Alistair Berrill said: “I was at Gargunnock Community Council recently and there was quite a discussion. Anyone who has ever tried to pull out onto the A811 knows you have to hope nothing is coming and then back off because something is.

“The community police officer said it was about the most dangerous junction he knew in Stirling Council’s area.

“Thankfully there have been no fatal or serious accidents there but I don’t think that should be the be all and end all when the junction is clearly dangerous. Statistics showing there haven’t been any fatal accidents doesn’t mean there isn’t a significant possibility at that junction.

“Can’t we consider putting double white lines as there can be people overtaking even though they are not supposed to at a junction.

“Or can we purchase the land at that corner and reposition the wall?”

Roads and land services team leader Carlyn Fraser said: “The perception of danger at that junction is keeping it safe. Because it looks difficult people are treating the junction with due respect.

“What we have done, however, is put in bollards to increase visibility so people driving on the A811 can see the junctions there and we have also improved signage. That road does not meet the criteria for double white line systems.

“We do understand there’s a wall issue and that is included in our planned works.”

Councillor Berrill said he was “a little baffled” to be told that people were avoiding accidents because they knew the junction was dangerous, adding: “It’s not quite the response I was looking for.

He said: “I understand that compulsory purchase would be an absolute last resort but I don’t understand why on earth we can’t put double white lines there.

“It would seem a fairly simple and relatively cost effective measure.”

Officials said whether they have to consider compulsory purchase of the land would depend on negotiations with the landowner, and while an agreement could take a few months a compulsory purchase process could take a long time.

Head of infrastructure Brian Roberts said: “In relation to road schemes we have to demonstrate before we go through compulsory purchase that we have negotiated with the landowner but it’s a fairly small area and it doesn’t affect the operation of the farm.

Officers said they would be happy to meet with Councillor Berrill, members of the community and the landowner to progress talks. Bannockburn SNP councillor Alasdair MacPherson said while he “sympathised”, there was a danger of setting a precedent and more cases pouring in.

He added: “If you are coming from Stirling there’s alternative access a mile and a half before it. There’s good visibility there.I have similar junctions in my ward every bit as dangerous as this. I’d understand if it was the only access.”

However, committee chair Councillor Jim Thomson said: “Road safety has to be one of our main priorities. I’m content to leave this petition open in the knowledge that further work is ongoing.”