Survey exposes speedy drivers at Barrhill school

Jun 11 2008 Ayrshire Post

SPEEDING motorists are threatening the lives of schoolkids.

That’s the verdict of a village community who held their own traffic survey – with shocking results.

Drivers were speeding past Barrhill Primary School at more than 50 per cent over the 20mph speed limit when children were walking to and from the gates.

Now the public and politicians are getting tough in a bid to save lives and will press South Ayrshire Council for action.

Fionnadh Ratchford, secretary of Barrhill Community Council, said: “We are appalled that the level of speeding is so high and prevalent amongst most drivers passing the school, as our campaign was running, especially at times when the 20mph was in force.

“For drivers to be speeding past at over 50 per cent above the limit when our most vulnerable citizens are on foot is shocking.

“We are aware that South Ayrshire Council are still monitoring the traffic following the repair of the broken sign. However, we continue to petition the council to install further road traffic calming measures.

“These measures need not put an unnecessary financial burden on South Ayrshire Council and they have received funding for it from the Scottish Executive.”

She added: “As a member of Barrhill Primary School Board, and as a parent, my response is just the same, it is morally repugnant to stand by and wait until the statistics show that speed restrictions have now become applicable.

“The life of a child cannot and must not be measured by these standards.”

MSP Cathy Jamieson is a strong supporter of the Brake 4 Barrhill campaign and is now putting the squeeze on her council colleagues.

She said: “The recent traffic survey in the village has caused real concern among local residents. It shows that traffic passing Barrhill Primary School is consistently over the limit.

“The concern of local people is that it will only be when an accident occurs that action will be taken. The community want to see effective action taken to stop the speeding before anyone is injured.

“Barrhill Community Council will soon be presenting their petition to the council and I hope that they will not only listen to these serious local concerns, but also take action which will help to reduce speeding through the village.

“As well as action by the council to improve road safety, drivers also have a responsibility to cut their speed and drive within the speed limit.”