MSP calls for roads rethink

Simpson: More consultation needed

A Tory MSP has called on the council to rethink a road scheme near Overtown until they have consulted with residents.

Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson said plans to build a filter lane on the A71 at Horsley Brae to ease congestion should be put to the community first.

The local authority had considered several options to ease congestion on the road, from the creation of a fly- over to signals or a roundabout.

After looking at all the options they decided the preferred choice is to widen the A71 northbound to two lanes; one dedicated to vehicles travelling straight ahead and one for turning right.

However, in documents attached with recent correspondence to Mr Simpson, the council admitted that as the location of the road is relatively rural, community engagement ahead of the decision “was limited”.

Mr Simpson said: “Whilst it is the case that the land in the immediate vicinity is largely agricultural, the proposals will have a huge effect on local communities, particularly residents in Overtown.

“I would call on the council to halt the proposed scheme until those in nearby villages have been properly consulted; many people I have spoken to have not even been aware that there were multiple options for consideration.

“Modelling for the council’s pre f e r red option has shown that northbound queues would be reduced, however it is likely there will be an increase in journey times on the southbound carriageway of the A71, due to the increase in traffic volume from the B7011.

“It seems like the council have simply plumped for what is likely to be the cheapest option, not necessarily the most effective.”

Yesterday ( Tuesday) a council spokesman said: “The current proposal for the junction of Brownlee Road with the A71 was formulated in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and SPT. All necessary and appropriate consultations were carried out during development of the proposed scheme.

“The council therefore considers the scheme to be the robust product of appropriate processes.”