Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Convener intimated that this meeting would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to commencement of the meeting.

There was submitted a report by the Acting Director of Finance & Resources relative to a petition received from Ms A MacKinnon in the following terms:-

“As residents of Kilbarchan Road and the surrounding area, we call upon Renfrewshire Council to implement effective traffic calming and slowing measures – speed humps, or similar – on Kilbarchan Road, as a matter of urgency.

Kilbarchan Road is the only route into the village for well in excess of one thousand residents and offers nothing in the way of protection for pedestrians. Pavements are narrow (where there are pavements) and kerbs are in line with the fast-paced road.

The measures are much needed on the section of road between the Locher Road and Ranfurly Road junctions, but the problem of traffic driving at dangerous speeds applies to the entire length of Kilbarchan Road, particularly within the village of Bridge of Weir. Not only do elderly residents and young families live on this stretch of road, the designated speed limit of 30mph (60mph prior to this from Kilbarchan) is above that which would be regarded as safe given the residential nature of the road and its use by pedestrians. The council is currently running a speed test on the road and fixing the broken speed sign. Whilst these actions are greatly welcomed, it is the speed of the fastest vehicles that creates real danger - not any calculation of average speed. While speed limit reminder signs may slow responsible drivers, they have no impact on those who choose not to act responsibly.

Numerous accidents have taken place on this road (many not involving police, so not necessarily recorded), and local pets have been killed. Please do not wait until the same happens to a child or elderly person before taking action. 

Several approaches to the Council have been madeover the years. Representations made recently to Cllr Maclaren.  Numerous emails/inputs to the Council's #YouDecide programme. The attached petition has been supported unanimously by all households in Kilbarchan Road, Bankend Road, Northview and Locher Road”.

The report detailed the response to the petition received from the Transport & Development Manager, Environment & Infrastructure. The Board heard from the petitioner and Mr MacDonald, supporter, in support of her petition.

DECIDED: That the petition be referred to the Director of Environment & Infrastructure  with the recommendation that the Director (a) repair the defective speed camera; and (b) undertake further surveys on usage of the road with a view to initiating a project to design traffic calming measures to alleviate the problem on Kilbarchan Road.