AN attempt to reduce traffic speeds and improve road safety in a village on the outskirts of Dumfries has been met with opposition from some residents.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has drafted up plans to implement a ‘quiet route scheme’ in Georgetown.
This would result in a 30 mph speed limit being introduced on various roads, including the U111n Craigs Road, U108n, U110n and Georgetown village itself.
Council roads chiefs insisted that the move will improve safety, reduce noise, improve air quality, and make the routes more appealing to walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
However, following the advertising of the draft traffic regulation order on September 27 last year, four objection letters were received.
One objector wrote: “We do not have access to public transport and many of us are now in our 60s with medical problems.
“We do not need the burden of large volumes of pedestrians to negotiate.
“These roads require you to pull over tight to verges and reverse for long stretches when meeting other traffic. It is an unsafe act to label them ‘quiet’ roads and encourage more pedestrian use.
“I object most strongly to this proposal and would suggest the countryside is left to all users to use common sense – as it has been for the last 100 years.”
Another objector wrote: “Over the seven years I have lived on this road I feel there has been no issue with traffic speed on these roads at all; as the way the road is you would struggle to reach speeds above 30mph.
“I do not think it is worthwhile wasting taxpayers’ money on such a thing and littering the village with road signs.”
Another resident argued that the council should prioritise doing much-needed road improvements, rather than focusing on speed calming measures.
They wrote: “I invite you to come and take a drive around our beautiful local area and you can inspect what a disastrous mess the council have left the road in.”
The council’s roads and infrastructure department responded to all objectors, doubling down on the pros of introducing a quiet road scheme.
A report will now be tabled at the council’s Nithsdale area committee next week where councillors will be asked to give the green light to the roads scheme.
Tony Topping, the council’s interim roads asset and strategy manager, wrote in the report: “Quiet roads are generally safer, less noisy and have improved air quality which improves the quality of life for people using the route and local residents, creating more peaceful communities.
“Quiet routes are often more appealing to walkers, joggers, and cyclists, encouraging healthier and more sustainable modes of transportation and with less noise and pollution, these roads can support local wildlife, helping maintain biodiversity.
“We have provided clear, detailed and compelling justification for the proposed speed limit traffic regulation order.”
