Green light for upper Port Glasgow 20mph zone
A NEW 20mph speed limit zone in upper Port Glasgow has been given the green light by councillors.
Members of Inverclyde Council’s environment and regeneration committee unanimously agreed to the change for parts of Slaemuir, Bardrainney and Mid Auchinleck, which was put forward in response to safety concerns.
The 20mph zone idea was developed in partnership with active travel organisation, Sustrans Scotland, and is part of a wider plan that will also see the introduction of traffic calming measures, including speed bumps, lines and signage along Auchenbothie Road, widening of pavements and rerouting of the National Cycle Network 75 (N75).
Sustrans will also fund more than two-thirds of the overall costs of the project with a grant of £150,000 towards the estimated total of just under £230k.
Council officers will now prepare a speed limit order (SLO) to reduce the speed limit to 20mph and undertake a consultation on the proposed traffic calming measures in accordance with legislation.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This initiative has many benefits, primarily road safety and encouraging active travel.
“Safety is of paramount importance and this area of upper Port Glasgow has schools, shops, houses and churches nearby so a reduced speed limit can only be beneficial for pedestrians and road users.
“The re-routing of the N75 cycle track and other associated improvements will also make it easier for and encourage active travel, such as cycling, walking or ‘wheeling’, and this can only be of benefit to residents and visitors alike.”
The initiative will see the N75 re-routed from Montrose Avenue along Auchenbothie Road towards Dubbs Road where there will be a new crossing installed.
The full report is available within agenda item 11 at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/2497 and the meeting is available to watch on the council’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvjMjPqzgDA.