Road safety measures put in place following the tragic death of 15-year-old Robyn Fryar have been damaged already – less than two months after they were installed.
A raised tarmac island bordered by bollards was built on Glenburn Road, Paisley to slow down traffic and prevent such incidents, which saw a young girl’s future stolen from her. The teenager died on July 7, 2019, after being hit by speeding driver Shaun Gatti while walking home.
The 23-year-old was jailed for five years and three months and banned from the roads for 11 years and seven months for causing her death by dangerous driving.
Following Robyn’s death, Renfrewshire Council tried to improve the safety of the road by installing the buildouts, which require drivers to stop and give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
The waiting cars then proceed once their path is clear.
However, it would appear this is not yet being observed by all drivers as two of the bollards have been destroyed by what one would imagine is a motorist who has failed to stop in time for the
buildout.
Glenburn councillor Eddie Devine believes the safety measures taken so far have had some impact on the speed of vehicles travelling along the road – but that more signage is needed to prevent an accident caused by the buildouts.
He explained: “It’s worked very well so far. We’re always going to get the odd speeder, but they won’t be able to speed for a long distance. The speed of the cars has certainly slowed down a lot.”
Councillor Devine pledged to speak with council officials about getting more advanced warning signs in place to prevent any incidents.
“It looks as if people are not seeing the buildouts,” he added.
“I’m quite sure that whoever’s hit those bollards didn’t even know they were there. I don’t think there’s enough signage to warn people the road layout is a lot different to what it was before.”
The council has been measuring the average speed of vehicles travelling along the road and says it now has proof the measures have been effective.
A council spokesperson said: “On-site monitoring by our road safety team shows vehicle speeds have reduced following the introduction of the traffic calming measures.”
They add that the damage done to the bollards will be repaired and reiterated Councillor Devine’s theory regarding ignorance as to the new road layout for being the cause.
“The bollards will be re-instated,” added the spokesperson. “Motorists will be unfamiliar with the new road layout and chicanes and this could be a factor which has contributed to the damage.”
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