Police and council officials must ramp-up efforts to snare speedsters on a notoriously dangerous village road, a councillor has insisted.
Councillor James MacLaren has called for action to be taken on the A761 running between Bridge of Weir and Brookfield, where he fears there may soon be a major accident.
The Bridge of Weir representative said he had been flooded with complaints about drivers regularly breaking the limit, while some residents had raised particular concerns about the hazardous junction with Prieston Road.
Councillor MacLaren has urged the council and cops to tackle what he described as a “perennial problem” in the area.
“Speeding concerns are regularly raised with me and it is extremely disappointing to hear there are still many issues on this road in Bridge of Weir,” said Cllr MacLaren.
“Careless driving on this stretch of road has been a perennial problem and it is clear further action needs to be taken by the police and council officials.
“We have already had a number of accidents at this junction [with Prieston Road] and on the railway bridge.
“Residents’ quality of life is being affected by those who are speeding past and if action isn’t taken, then we could see a further serious incident happen on this stretch of road.
“Taking tougher action on this stretch could well be the deterrent to those who have continued to speed in and out of the village.”
Chief Inspector Jim Cast, Renfrewshire’s area commander, said police were aware of issues on the road and he has instructed officers to conduct speed checks.
He added that if cops find there is a constant problem, they will speak to the council roads team to see if any more permanent solutions can be looked at.
Ch Insp Cast said: “We continue to receive many complaints about speeding all over Renfrewshire. Each and every time, we take action using local officers and our Roads Policing Department to target the area and conduct regular unplanned speed checks.
“Where we find evidence a particular road does have an escalating or persistent speed issue, we also liaise with our partners in Renfrewshire Council and the roads department to see what other more permanent changes can be made to improve road safety.
“I am aware of issues raised by Bridge of Weir councillors and this is such an area that I have already tasked out for such proactive police activity.”
Renfrewshire Council said measures have already been put in place to tackle speeding in the area.
A council spokesman said: “At this location, we have already made improvements, including reducing the speed from 60mph to 30mph, extending the pedestrian island and relining the road markings at the junction with Prieston Road.
“Rumble strips have also been added on Bridge of Weir Road and at the approach to the entrance to the village.
“While the roads may be quieter during this time, there is no excuse for speeding and all motorists should obey the speed limits in place.
“All reports to the council regarding speeding are referred to colleagues in Police Scotland who will carry out any enforcement required.”
