Ways of improving the safety of a Howwood junction have been drawn up – after concerns were raised by members of the community.
HGVs and other large vehicles regularly veer on to the wrong side of the road as they navigate the sharp bend at Bowfield Road and Midton Road.
A barrier separating those walking on the pavement from the road – often children going to school or nearby park – has been damaged multiple times by the vehicles.
Councillor Andy Doig, an independent rep for the village, and residents such as Martin Carden have campaigned for action at the spot.
Mr Carden was spurred into action on the issue during the summer when his children were involved in a near-miss at the junction, which he said “gave them a huge fright”.
However, a breakthrough was achieved at the end of September when Councillor Doig’s motion instructing roads staff to look at ways of reconfiguring the junction passed at full council.
Officers have since considered a range of measures, presenting two potential options to the community.
The first includes a bespoke pedestrian guardrail, which follows the slope of the hill to provide additional safety to pedestrians, while the second a standard, stepped guardrail design.
Both would involve the widening of the footway around the bend, high kerbs which deflect vehicle wheels back into the road, the remarking of white lines and an advance warning of the ‘give way’ line ahead.
Councillor Doig said: “I understand that the council has come up with two options for the reconfiguration of the Bowfield Road/Midton Road junction.
“I also know that council officers will be speaking to the Howwood Community Council (HCC) early in the new year and at that point I would encourage the wider community to express their views, either to myself or other councillors directly, or to Howwood community council, on what option they think would best make the junction safer and more secure.”
Renfrewshire Council has said it is looking for feedback on the issue by Sunday, January 15, which will inform any decisions made going forward.
A spokesperson said: “Following a motion to the full council meeting, we have a considered a range of measures for safety improvements at the Bowfield Road/Midton Road junction in Howwood.
“Two potential options have been presented to the local community through the community council, elected members, the council website and community Facebook groups.
“We are looking for feedback by Sunday, January 15, 2023, which will inform any decisions taken around possible improvements to this junction.”
People can have their say on the options by visiting renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/13002/Have-your-say-on-the-Bowfield-RoadMidton-Road-junction-in-Howwood
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