26/2/2022
Published Barrhead News On Line -
News
9 hrs ago
East Renfrewshire: Campaign to remove bollards gathers pace
By Norman Silvester Reporter
Roads chiefs are under mounting pressure to scrap a controversial cycle lane scheme after scores of bollards were damaged during recent storms, causing traffic chaos.
Calls for a U-turn have been made by the newly-formed Action Against East Renfrewshire Bollards group, which met for the first time last week.
A number of bollards in the Giffnock and Newton Mearns areas were broken by strong winds and ended up rolling loose, creating a hazard for drivers and cyclists.
Campaigners also fear the scheme could be extended to Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire.
Karen Flo, a founder member of Action Against East Renfrewshire Bollards, said: “There is a real safety issue here but the council don’t seem to care.
“During last week’s storms, bollards were blowing in and out of cycle lanes after becoming displaced, causing further safety risks.”
There was an angry response from many residents when the cones were installed in Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, and Fenwick Road, Giffnock, by East Renfrewshire Council last year.
One resident who attended the campaign group’s first meeting added: “Make no mistake, East Renfrewshire Council are planning to take this hare-brained scheme to other parts of the local area.
“So if you live in Barrhead, for example, you could find similar bollards snarling up traffic and adversely affecting the appearance of your local streets too.”
A council spokesperson said: “The measures on Ayr Road, which are funded by the Scottish Government via Sustrans’ Spaces for People temporary infrastructure programme, are currently being undertaken on a trial basis.
“The scheme also supports a temporary speed limit reduction from 40mph to 30mph.
“A community consultation exercise has recently concluded and we’re currently taking all of the feedback onboard as part of ongoing monitoring and assessment of the scheme.”