New signs will put brakes on speeding cars

Aug 14 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

CANDERSIDE Gate Residents Association revealed this week that safety signs to prevent speeding on roads have been installed.

After two years of discussions with South Lanarkshire Council, the solar-powered ‘Slow Down’ signs, that show drivers that they are speeding beyond the limit of 30mph, have been erected at the A71 bypass and between two roundabouts, at the entrance to the estate, the area where children walking to Stonehouse Primary School would normally cross the road.

This project has been welcomed by the committee members of the residents association who worked tirelessly over the last two years to have safety measures put in place.

Will McMurtrie, member of the association said: “After we expressed our initial concerns about the road safety of the children crossing the road, South Lanarkshire Council listened to our comments and took them on board.

“The local authority secured funding, and in a joint effort, carried out traffic surveys, and monitored the volume of cars using this part of the road.

“We found that drivers were speeding through the A71 by-pass and approaching the roundabouts at speeds in excess of 60mph which, of course, was extremely dangerous.

“There were no warning signs or any indication to drivers that they should be travelling at a maximum speed of 30mph.

“These solar safety signs, which flash a message to approaching drivers to slow down are essential to Stonehouse’s road safety.”

The Canderside Gate Residents Association said that they would thank South Lanarkshire Council for taking their concerns seriously and installing the signs, which they believe will now play an important role in preventing serious accidents.