Latest news with #RoadSafetyAudit
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Perth and Kinross politicians urge Transport Minister to take Swallow Roundabout issues seriously
Road users have not only faced delays but found the new layout both confusing and dangerous A Perth and Kinross councillor says almost 1500 residents have told him they have faced delays due to the Swallow Roundabout's new traffic lights. As well as delays, drivers have complained the Invergowrie roundabout's lanes and signage are both confusing and dangerous. Cllr Angus Forbes and local MSP Murdo Fraser have urged Scotland's Transport Minister to "start taking this issue seriously". The Swallow Roundabout is on the A90 next to the boundary between Perth and Kinross and Dundee. As part of the planning conditions for its Western Gateway development, housebuilder Springfield was asked by Dundee City Council to make improvements to the Swallow Roundabout. The developer appointed Luddon Construction Ltd to carry out the roundabout improvements. But the results have left road users seeing red. Approaching the roundabout from Perth, drivers are told there are two lanes which point straight on. It is only when the third lane appears, there is another sign saying there are three lanes and drivers can turn right towards Dundee/Invergowrie. But the traffic signals have a no right-turn sign on them. One Carse of Gowrie resident described the new layout as both "potentially life-threatening" and "mind-blowingly stupid (and yet eminently fixable)". Conservative councillor Angus Forbes and Murdo Fraser MSP wrote to Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop raising drivers' concerns. In her reply, the Ms Hyslop said: "It is likely to take some time for drivers to fully adapt to the new road layout at what is already an extremely busy part of the trunk road network and we would encourage road users to plan their journeys accordingly as some delays may be anticipated, particularly at peak times. "The noted observations in the Road Safety Audit carried out in March and any post-construction review observations including those made by road users regarding road markings and signs, are currently being reviewed and considered by the developer, their designer Amey and the local authority. All organisations are working together to resolve this matter." Cllr Forbes was "bitterly disappointed" with the Transport Secretary's response. He said: "It is absolutely clear that the signage is confusing and whilst I can't understand why a safety audit was needed to establish this, I am nevertheless grateful that it has flagged this up. "However, what this safety audit does not address are the long queues that my constituents face day after day trying to get to work and medical appointments. Almost 1,500 people reported to me that they faced increased journey times as a result of the new traffic light system, this is unsustainable in the long-term. I am already seeing increased traffic in local villages." Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser accused Fiona Hyslop of "washing her hands of the problem". Mr Fraser added: "Her response to my letter about the issues experienced by many motorists at the roundabout is very vague and doesn't address all the issues there. "It is very clear that the new traffic system is causing many problems for motorists - the road markings cause confusion and it is no surprise there has been so much concern. We really need the SNP Transport Secretary to step up to the mark and start taking this issue seriously." Fellow Carse of Gowrie councillor Alasdair Bailey made a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Transport Scotland to see the road safety audit, arguing - given it was about public safety - its findings should be made public. The road safety audit conducted by Stewart Paton Associates for Transport Scotland, on behalf of Springfield, made several safety recommendations which are currently being reviewed by Springfield.
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Part of newly opened Clontarf to city centre cycleway faces 10-week closure for ‘realignment works'
The outbound cycle track at Fairview Avenue Lower and Merville Avenue will be closed for approximately ten weeks to facilitate the works, following recommendations from a Road Safety Audit. The €70m project officially opened in November last year, after years of disruption for local residents and businesses. Local representatives have now raised concerns about the nature of the changes and the additional construction. The planned realignment will move the cycle track closer to the main carriageway at two junctions. It's been argued this is contrary to national and international best practice, which generally advises maintaining a setback between cyclists and turning traffic for improved safety. Green Party councillor Donna Cooney has called for a pause and full review of the realignment plans before any works proceed. 'Bringing people out closer to where the cars are turning certainly won't make me feel safer anyway,' she said. 'There's a large number of children on bikes and parents bringing young children using the route, so it's important it's not made more dangerous.' Cllr Cooney said she had requested a copy of the Road Safety Audit from Dublin City Council, but it has not yet been provided. In addition to safety concerns, she suggested that smaller measures should be attempted first. ADVERTISEMENT 'The parking space should be closed without obstructive barriers and the green space should be made free of all obstructions before a major realignment of the junction that deviates from the National Cycle Manual is considered,' she said. 'The roadworks required to carry out this realignment would also remove the busy bus lane for most of the daytime, while no provision seems to have been made to provide bus priority on one of the two northbound general traffic lanes. 'Not to mention the closure of what is now a very busy cycle lane for ten weeks without any alternative provisions. 'What we really need is funding to prevent rat running through Marino,' she added. Separately, Green Party councillor and Transport spokesperson Feljin José raised concerns the proposed changes appear to deviate from national guidance. 'The proposed design does not comply with the National Transport Authority's Cycle Design Manual,' he said. 'The current layout has issues, but it is much more closely aligned with the Manual, and any realignments should be aimed at full compliance, not complete deviation. 'Carrying out ten more weeks of roadworks and such a major realignment after a two-and-a-half-year construction period would damage the public's confidence in Dublin City Council's ability to deliver active travel routes and could also be seen as wasteful spending,' he added. Dublin City Council said the changes are necessary to address safety concerns identified in the Road Safety Audit. Access to the bus stop at Fairview Avenue Lower will be maintained, but the cycle track will remain closed for the duration of the works. A spokesperson for the council's Active Travel Programme Office said: 'As part of the Clontarf to City Centre Scheme, following the recent Road Safety Audit 3, the proposed cycle-track realignment works at Fairview Avenue Lower and Merville Avenue are scheduled to commence on Monday, April 28. 'A duration of approximately ten weeks will be required to complete the necessary realignment works. The outbound cycle track at these locations will be closed to facilitate the works. 'Dublin City Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and seeks the understanding and co-operation of the public during the course of these works.'
