Traffic scheme given red light by residents

Jan 21 2011 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Friday

TRAFFIC calming measures have set pulses racing in St Ninians.

Buntine Crescent’s Nicki Ross described a string of recently-implemented speed bumps and roundabouts as “foolish” and branded them a waste of public money.

Directing her ire at the area around St Ninians Primary School, the disgruntled teacher blasted: “With generations of children having come and gone, why the need for these modifications now?

“Within the previous year, the council has already seen fit to place mini roundabouts at every intersection between Laurelhill Business Park and Lidl along the Polmaise Road, as well as traffic islands.

“What justification is there for this waste of public money in dire economic times? Were the current zebra crossing adjacent to the school, as well as the yellow-line markings and lollipop men and women not enough?” she asked.

Traffic islands on either side of Coxithill Road were also proving to be a bone of contention with locals, she said.

And other safety measures – such as widened kerbs – could have serious unintentional consequences for drivers, Ms Ross fumed.

She told the Observer: “The new mini-roundabouts at the top of Coxithill Road, as well as the junctions with McGregor and Modan Road, are not only foolish and wasteful, but dangerous.

“When the council installed the roundabouts and their necessary signs in November, they didn’t change the ‘give way’ lines either side of the roundabout, posing a hazard to those now unsure how to navigate each shambolic junction.

“As St Modan’s High School has been demolished for some time, I cannot comprehend those in charge wasting money on safety measures when the traffic is already reduced.”

She concluded: “Enlarging the kerb outside Stirling Laundrama on Barnsdale Road is dangerous as it forces cars to swing out into the oncoming traffic lane.”

A spokesperson for Stirling Council explained the majority of Ms Ross’ complaints relate to the local authority’s ‘safer routes to schools’ initiative, designed to safeguard the region’s younger residents.

She continued: “Stirling Council is committed to implementing 20mph zones in the vicinity of primary schools.

“To date, 45 schools out of a total of 49 now have these limits installed, with the remainder due to be completed shortly.

“Speed cushions installed on Torbrex Road are to ensure this reduced limit is self-enforcing.

“Other traffic management measures have been implemented along the length of both Torbrex Road and Polmaise Road in an effort to reduce excessive vehicle speeds.

“They are part of our travel planning measures for St Ninians Primary School and Stirling High School.”

The local authority representative added: “The need for traffic calming and speed reducing measures on Coxithill Road, McGregor Road and Modan Road was identified as part of the planning process associated with the closure of St Modan’s High School.

“These were proposed to address existing road safety concern, rat-running issues and to mitigate against increased traffic.

“The project was developed in discussion undertaken with the community over an 18-month period.”