A major Ayrshire road where a mum was killed during a horror week of crashes is set for safety measures to prevent more tragedies.
The stretch of the A70 between Ayr and Coylton has been earmarked as a problem after a number of incidents left one dead and four people seriously injured.
Ayrshire’s top traffic cop says the road will now see the introduction of safety camera units as well as extra high visibility and unmarked patrols.
Inspector Craig Beaver, of Ayrshire road policing, has addressed concerns after residents raised the alarm over the route.
It comes after bubbly mum Shona McKinlay was killed in a collision on Friday, October 28.
The 46-year-old died at the scene after her Renault Kangoo van collided with an Audi TT.
The 23-year-old male driver of the Audi and the 44-year-old female passenger of the van were rushed to trauma units in Glasgow and Kilmarnock with serious injuries.
Just days before, on the Monday yards away from the fatal crash, two women aged 35 and 36 were rushed to hospital after a crash involving a lorry.
Inspector Beaver said: “Road safety remains a priority for Police Scotland and our officers are out supporting this every single day through education and enforcement action.
“Policing is part of a crucial partnership response to improve road safety. Locally, we work closely with divisional officers, South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and others to provide reassurance and address community concerns.
“High visibility and unmarked patrols will continue on the A70 covering both South and East Ayrshire areas and we are also identifying suitable static locations for the safety camera unit to be deployed.”
MSP Elena Whitham has welcomed the action from police after worried constituents reported issues of speeding and dangerous driving, particularly at the Belston Straight.
The MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said: “Any fatality on our roads is one too many, and the news of this latest fatality is particularly devastating.
“I understand from Police Scotland that they are working with partner agencies to discuss the understandable community concern for road safety on this stretch of the A70; and through enforcement and driver education Police Scotland will look to reassure road users at this worrying time.
“As a result of a number of constituents having been in touch with me with their concerns of speeding on the Belston Straight, I welcome the response from Police Scotland to utilise high visibility and unmarked patrols along the A70 whilst they identify sites for safety camera unit deployments.
“My deep thanks go to Police Scotland and Ayrshire Roads Alliance for the work they are doing in response to the recent accidents on the A70 and for the actions they are taking to address the understandable community reaction in this regard.”
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