THE speed limit on a busy stretch of road in Johnstone is to be cut amid concerns over safety.

A traffic order to change the limit on Beith Road, between Spateston and Howwood, from 60mph to 40mph has been issued by Renfrewshire Council.

It agreed the new limit is necessary to reduce the risk of danger to drivers and pedestrians.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, described the decision as a “victory” for the local community.

He told The Gazette: “Some months ago, a constituent complaint was sent to all Johnstone councillors via Johnstone Community Council about speeding from Johnstone High School through Corseford and Spateston, into Beith Road as it enters Howwood.

“My Johnstone South colleague, Councillor Andy Steel, and I agreed to take the matter up as it affected both our wards.

“I am absolutely delighted that Councillor Steel and myself have persuaded the council to take out the traffic order.

“It never seemed right to me to have a 60mph limit between a village and close to a special needs school, Corseford School, which then led into an area of Johnstone which has seen a substantial increase in housebuilding in recent years.”

Millar Leon, chair of Howwood Community Council, also welcomed the move but warned that further measures are needed to protect residents in the village from dodgy drivers.

He said: “I know that many people in Howwood are concerned about speeding, so this is a brilliant step in the right direction.

“Especially over the past few months, we have noticed really excessive speeding has been on the increase through the village.

“There is a planned temporary cycle lane on that road, so if it helps to slow the traffic down through that area and into Howwood, that would be a big plus.

“However, we would like to see more measures against speeding in the village.”

There is currently no date for the new speed limit to come into effect, with the traffic order still in the first stage of consultation.

Elected members, emergency services and road user groups have until Monday, August 17, to comment on the council’s proposal.

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