POLICE and council officials are being urged to ramp up efforts to snare speedsters on a notoriously dangerous village road.

Councillor James MacLaren has called for action to be taken on a stretch of the A761 between Bridge of Weir and Brookfield, where he fears there could be a major accident.

The Bridge of Weir representative said he has been flooded with complaints about drivers regularly breaking the speed limit, while some residents have raised particular concerns about a hazardous junction with Prieston Road.

He has urged Renfrewshire Council and the police to tackle what he describes as a “perennial problem” in the area.

“Speeding concerns are regularly raised with me and it is extremely disappointing to hear there are still many issues on this road in Bridge of Weir,” said Councillor MacLaren.

“Careless driving on this stretch of road has been a perennial problem and it is clear further action needs to be taken by the police and council officials.

“We have already had a number of accidents at this junction [with Prieston Road] and on the railway bridge.

“Residents’ quality of life is being affected by those who are speeding past and, if action isn’t taken, then we could see a further serious incident.”

Chief Inspector Jim Cast, Renfrewshire’s area commander, said police are aware of issues on the route and he has instructed officers to conduct speed checks.

He added that, if officers find there is a problem with speeding, they will speak to the council’s roads team to ask about a more permanent solution.

Ch Insp Cast said: “We continue to receive many complaints about speeding all over Renfrewshire. Each and every time, we take action using local officers and our Roads Policing Department to target the area and conduct regular unplanned speed checks.

“Where we find evidence a particular road does have an escalating or persistent speed issue, we also liaise with partners in Renfrewshire Council and the roads department to see what other more permanent changes can be made to improve road safety.”

A council spokesman said measures have already been put in place to tackle speeding in the area.

He added: “At this location, we have already made improvements, including reducing the speed limit from 60mph to 30mph, extending the pedestrian island and relining the road markings at the junction with Prieston Road.

“Rumble strips have also been added on Bridge of Weir Road and at the approach to the entrance to the village.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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