Residents of Fernhill street call for speeding measures
Nov 7 2012
by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer
Residents of a Fernhill street have called for action on speeding motorists.
Catherine Gemmell (41) of Fernbrae Avenue says that the road is extremely congested and that speeding traffic has caused numerous accidents.
South Lanarkshire Council carried out a speeding survey of the street in August and found that in a two week period over 2700 motorists went over the 30 miles per hour speed limit - now residents of the avenue are calling for a solution and say the problem has existed for far too long.
Catherine said: Theres about three near misses every day.
Its getting to a stage where its unlivable. The council did a speed check on it over two weeks and there were lots of people speeding and I would have thought that would be enough to get something done.
The whole of our roads a 20s Plenty, but thats not enough.
It is only a matter of time on this avenue before someone is killed.
This is not a road, its only an single track avenue.
The council are saying that because the majority of people were under 34 miles per hour they dont see it as an issue.
The fact of the matter is its a dangerous road, theres three blind corners and cars parked along the street making it very narrow.
In fact one of her neighbours, Pat Dollan, had to have his car written off following a recent accident on the street.
Catherine added: When the other car hit his, it pushed it up the hill two house lengths. They should put in speed bumps or reduce the speed limit to 20. Something has to be done.
Catherine also said that part of the problem was congestion from Fernhill School and that there is only one access point to the school on Fernbrae Avenue.
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: Residents have brought this issue to our attention previously and we have investigated their concerns.
We have measured speeds on Fernbrae Avenue which concluded that some motorists are driving higher than the 30mph speed limit.
The survey results were forwarded to Strathclyde Police for their consideration.
Consideration has been given to reducing the speed limit to 20mph, however, the route is not suitable.
Instead we would encourage motorists to take note of the advisory 20mph speed limit that currently exists on Fernbrae Avenue.
We have also reviewed the accident record on Fernbrae Avenue and would advise that it does not support the introduction of any traffic calming at this time.
Our resources are targeted at locations where there is a significant accident issues.
We will however continue to monitor the situation.
A spokesperson for Fernhill School said: Fernhill school support any suggestions to improve the safety of road users. The vast majority of our pupils attend via our chartered buses with a limited number of parents driving their children to and from School each morning from 8.30am to 8.50am and afternoon from 3.15pm to 3.45pm.
Fernbrae Avenue is the only access to our school and our parents respect the rights of other road users at all times.
