Kirn Drive one-way proposal
PEOPLE are being invited to have their say on proposals to introduce a one-way system and other traffic calming measures along a busy Gourock street.
Inverclyde Council has drawn up plans to ease congestion on Kirn Drive and is now inviting feedback from residents and road users.
Following several studies of the area and traffic surveys, the local authority has developed a proposal to make the street one way in a westbound direction between Arran Road and Divert Road, as well as one way along Staffa Street in a southbound direction between Ivy Crescent and Kingsway East.
There would also be some form of traffic calming measures introduced in the area as part of the project if it goes ahead.
The council is now seeking views on the proposals before developing more detailed plans and carrying out a formal, statutory consultation.
Councillor Paul Cassidy, Inverclyde Council’s vice-convener of environment and regeneration, said: “We have long recognised the challenges on Kirn Drive and officers have been actively engaging with residents, road users, and other stakeholders to develop an effective solution.
"Following extensive surveys and detailed investigations, I’m pleased to share that we now have a sensible proposal aimed at addressing the congestion, speeding, and other challenges that have impacted Kirn Drive for far too long.
"However, it’s crucial that we hear from the community before moving forward, especially residents, regular road users, and those directly affected by any changes to the road layout who are encouraged to share their views on the proposed solutions.”
The survey opened is now open until Friday 7 February 2025 and is available via the Inverclyde Council website and social media channels.
Feedback will be used by officers when developing final, detailed proposals, which will go before a future council meeting for final approval.
An external agency was appointed to carry out various surveys, including traffic counts, junction turning information, parking behaviour, and bus route data, to inform the development of proposals for the area.
A number of ideas were considered for Kirn Drive and surrounding streets but the preferred option is a westbound one-way system after traffic studies found that there are approximately 50 per cent more vehicles travelling westbound than eastbound.
The proposed one-way system would significantly reduce congestion and improve journey times while traffic calming measures would help reduce speeds and improve road safety.
The plan has been developed in response to public feedback.
A petition launched in 2020 calling for a westbound one-way system gathered more than 100 signatures and was approved at the council’s petitions committee.
For more information about the proposals and to take part in the survey click on the link in the Related Links section of this page.