Safety measures call on Renfrewshire road after 'near-misses'

A Renfrewshire councillor is calling for “urgent” safety measures to be installed on a busy Renfrew road following a number of near-misses.

Councillor Jamie McGuire is calling upon Renfrewshire Council to respond to “serious safety concerns” and install speeding interventions to “safeguard the lives” of local residents.

Councillor McGuire says numerous residents have raised concerns “regarding the ongoing issue of speeding on Glasgow Road”. He told the Paisley Daily Express: “These messages from constituents are far from isolated.

READ MORE:Erskine man told undercover cop 10 was a "cute" and "sexy" age

READ MORE:Plans for East Renfrewshire battery energy storage facility thrown out over fire risk

“They speak of frequent near-misses and, in some cases, distressing close calls, underscoring the urgent need for the council to take proactive measures.

“In response, it is time we consider implementing preventive actions to ensure this road is made safer for all who rely on it daily, from drivers to pedestrians.

“The concerns raised are neither minor nor easily dismissed. Glasgow Road is a significant thoroughfare, heavily relied upon by local residents and commuters alike. As such, it has become apparent that, without the introduction of effective, preventive measures, we are allowing a situation where accidents are not just possible but, regrettably, likely.

“Our roads should not be a source of anxiety for those who use them to get to work, school, or other essential services, nor should residents feel unsafe simply crossing a road within their own community.”

A recent report published to coincide with a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s police and fire scrutiny panel revealed that recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire have increased.

Between April 1 and August 31 this year, the report highlighted road traffic offences increased by 8.2 per cent on the previous year to a total of 1,388 – consistent with a rise at the national level.

Overall, 55 road casualties occurred in Renfrewshire in the reporting period – an increase on 10 compared to the previous reporting year.

The report further outlined the dedicated road policing unit of Police Scotland’s operational support division have assisted police in Renfrewshire in various road safety and road crime campaigns during that time.

Councillor McGuire is now calling on the council to respond to these concerns with both “urgency and diligence”.

He added: “There are well-proven interventions that could significantly reduce the risks posed by excessive speed. Cameras, for instance, have demonstrated time and again their effectiveness in deterring speeding, particularly on roads that see heavy traffic.

“Traffic-calming measures, such as speed bumps and strategically-placed signage, could also prove beneficial, encouraging drivers to reduce their speed as they navigate through residential areas.

“An increased police presence to monitor and enforce existing speed limits could further support these measures, providing a visible reminder that our roads are to be used responsibly.

“These actions, however, are not merely about preventing accidents – they speak to the broader duty we hold as a council to safeguard the lives and peace of mind of our residents.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: “We want to create a road network that is safe for everyone and are working with Police Scotland and Transport Scotland towards Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030.

“We will carry out an assessment of Glasgow Road, Renfrew, considering traffic speeds, volumes and incidents, and this will inform our next steps. If you have concerns about road safety, please contact our team.”

Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here