A VILLAGE councillor has called for cameras to be installed at speeding hotspots in Kilbarchan after claiming the problem is being “consistently ignored.”

Derek Bibby said he is concerned no Renfrewshire roads were included in a new £675,0000 safety camera development programme announced by Transport Scotland earlier this month.

A total of 24 locations were selected by Safety Cameras Scotland (SCS) as part of an effort to reduce the number of road accident casualties.

Councillor Bibby, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, wanted some of the investment to be directed at Kilbarchan, where he says certain roads have been used as a “rat run” since traffic lights were installed near the Paton’s Mill retail park, in Johnstone.

The Labour man claims roads such as Shuttle Street have regular problems with reckless drivers and has called on the Scottish Government to increase the funding available so the problem can be tackled.

“Despite consistent lobbying from residents, elected members and the community council, Kilbarchan has been ignored,” said Councillor Bibby.

“Since the traffic lights and management systems at the Paton’s Mill development in Johnstone were installed, the volume of speeding traffic through Kilbarchan has increased to the point where it is a blight upon the village.

“It is being used as a rat run for drivers who find it easier to get to Bridge of Weir and beyond and do not have the patience to use Barochan Road and the A761.

“High and Low Barholm and Shuttle Street, which are particularly affected, were not constructed to cope with the level of traffic and the behaviour of many drivers. Residents believe it is only a matter of time before there is a major incident.”

Although Renfrewshire Council installed a crossing in Barn Green, Councillor Bibby said there is a “widespread view” this was put in the wrong place and has had little effect on speeding.

“Kilbarchan Community Council has had numerous meetings with Renfrewshire Council and Police Scotland but to no avail,” he added.

“I am calling on the Scottish Government to increase the funding available to meet the pressing need of Kilbarchan and for Transport Scotland and Police Scotland to review their policy on the provision of speed cameras that would benefit Kilbarchan and other areas of Renfrewshire.”

A spokeswoman for SCS said sites for safety cameras are chosen on the basis of their injury and collision history and where speed has been identified as a significant factor in incidents.

During the site selection process last year, bosses said there were no roads in Kilbarchan which met the minimum criteria.

The spokeswoman added: “Renfrewshire currently has seven sites already in operation. Over the coming weeks, we will be in discussion with Renfrewshire Council in regards to future sites.”

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “A comprehensive annual site prioritisation exercise has been undertaken to maximise the programme’s casualty and collision reduction potential. This has identified 24 new sites with an evidenced collision and speeding profile.

“The 2020 site prioritisation process is underway. Roads in Renfrewshire are under consideration to consider whether safety cameras are a potential solution at these locations.”

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