Newly-installed traffic calming measures in Renfrew have caused a stir – with a councillor saying it has been “mayhem” since their construction.
Chicanes were installed recently on Dean Park Road at the junction with Haining Road with the purpose of reducing the speed at which vehicles travel along.
The move was designed to prevent accidents.
But Labour councillor Jamie McGuire says that they’re more likely to lead to a smash than the previous layout.
“I’ve been getting complaints constantly because it’s dangerous the way they’ve put it in.” he said.
He continued: “The road’s not wide enough so cars are coming so close to one another that there’s already been a couple of near accidents.
“I really fear it will lead to one soon.”
However, Renfrewshire Council officials maintain that the previous road layout was dangerous due to cars speeding – with a number of accidents being recorded at the site.
They add that signage warning drivers in advance of the upcoming need to zigzag around the chicanes was put in place so that drivers would have advance notice of the new layout.
Councillor McGuire thinks that speed cameras should have been considered before the chicanes.
“But they put the chicanes in and it’s causing a lot of mayhem,” said Councillor McGuire.
The local authority say speed cameras would not be effective at preventing accidents at this particular site.
A spokesperson added: “The chicanes at the junction of Dean Park Road and Haining Road replace speed cushions that were unpopular with the public.
“They were introduced after two years of careful design work which saw members of the local community and local elected members being consulted at every stage of the project.
“Speeding has played a part in a number of accidents at this junction. The nature and location of the incidents mean that speed cameras wouldn’t be effective in preventing them.
“After the chicanes were installed warning signs and cones were put in place for two weeks to allow drivers to get used to them.
“There have been no recorded incidents of vehicles hitting the chicanes since they were installed.”
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