Speeding motorists have turned Melrose one way system into race track

Published 16 Jan 2012 09:30 0 Comments

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A DRIVE has been launched to curb the speed of traffic in Melrose.

It follows a claim from local residents that some motorists have turned the one-way system in the town centre into a race track.

They insist they are being forced to take their lives in their hands when attempting to cross the road, with many reported near-misses.

Melrose and District Community Council heard the concerns at their latest meeting last month. It heard parents picking up their children from the local school were among the worst offenders. A number of near misses were reported.

And now local resident Stan Fairbairn has suggested reducing the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.

It was also suggested at the meeting that a pedestrian crossing or speed bump should be built at the top of Annay Road, near the Abbey, or outside the Post Office on Buccleuch Street, to help pedestrians cross and slow traffic down. Mr Fairburn said: "30mph is too fast for the town centre."

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker admitted the speed of the traffic in Melrose town centre had increased since the introduction of the town's new one-way system.

However, he argued it was now easier to cross the road because all the vehicles were moving in the same direction.

Councillor Parker, who represents Melrose and Leaderdale on the local authority, said: "The chance of getting a speed bump in a town centre environment is very, very unlikely because they are not designed for town centre.

"We could go for a 20mph limit here but it would involve a whole range of work. We would have to apply for a new traffic order for Melrose and that would take about 18 months to implement."

And he added: "We would also have to show there was a real need and support for it."

The meeting heard Scottish Borders Council was already considering plans to improve road safety in neighbouring Darnick and Gattonside and said a decision would be made later in the year.

But Councillor Parker insisted the council would consider to monitor the situation in Melrose.

Provost William Windram revealed opinions on the one-way system in Melrose remained divided.

He revealed some motorists had complained that they were being held up by buses parked at the entrance to the Abbey car park.

But Mr Windram added: "Nothing is going to be done unless we can get some information to back it up. We need to get more information."

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