PROTEST SIGNALS PUFFIN MOVE
Lack of space on pavement
A national roads agency has apologised and pledged to take action after safety fears were raised over a controversial Crieff crossing.
BEAR Scotland has said plans are in place to move one of two new puffin crossings recently installed on the A85 near the town’s Royal Mail delivery office.
This follows fears being expressed that not enough space had been left to allow those using mobility scooters or wheelchairs - or pushing prams - to negotiate the area safely.
Crieff Community Council chair Harry Thomason said he has raised the issue with the authorities on more than one occasion in recent weeks.
And, in a statement issued on Tuesday this week, a spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: “Our engineers have informed our specialist contractor and are currently arranging a date to move one of the traffic signal posts and cabinet.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and ask users to take care in the area.”
A controversial Crieff crossing is set to be moved following complaints by concerned locals.
The new puffin crossing on the A85 near the Strath capital’s Royal Mail delivery office on the High Street is to be altered after fears were raised that not enough space had been left to allow those using mobility scooters, wheelchairs or pushing prams to negotiate the area safely.
The road safety feature was one of two installed in the town by BEAR Scotland – which manages and maintains the trunk road on behalf of Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland – earlier this month.
Crieff Community Council chair Harry Thomason said he has raised the issue with BEAR Scotland on more than one occasion in recent weeks.
Mr Thomason explained: “I’ve been contacted about it and reported it to Perth and Kinross Council and BEAR Scotland but nothing’s been done.
“The crossings were put in about three or four weeks ago and I’ve been on to them a couple of times to get it sorted.
“The space on the pavement is the issue. The cabinet which powers the traffic lights is too close to the pole for the crossing.
“There’s not enough space for people using mobility scooters, or people pushing prams, to get through. They’re having to come off the pavement further up the road. There’s not a drop kerb there either.
“People have been asking me about what’s happening with it and nothing seems to be getting done.
“It looks like everything’s been finished but the yellow lines haven’t been put down either.
“They’re two separate issues but it all comes down to BEAR Scotland.”
A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said that what was described as all the “major work” associated with the project was completed in early April, including the installation of the two new puffin crossings as well as “surfacing and road marking improvements”.
In a statement, the company’s representative told the Herald this week: “We are aware of the issue at the pedestrian crossing on the A85 in Crieff.
“Our engineers have informed our specialist contractor and are currently arranging a date to move one of the traffic signal posts and cabinet. It is anticipated that the work will begin on Monday, May 30, and will be carried out over approximately one week.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and ask users to take care in the area.”
When the project was initially announced Eddie Ross – BEAR Scotland’s north- west representative, said: “Road safety is a top priority for BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland, and this scheme on the A85 in Crieff is part of our commitment to improving pedestrian facilities on the trunk road network.
“The new controlled crossing facilities in Crieff will allow users to safely cross this section of the A85 helping to improve road safety for the community and encourage more active travel journeys.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said the A85 fell under BEAR Scotland’s jurisdiction.
The space on the pavement is the issue. The cabinet which powers the lights is too close to the pole