CALL FOR JOINED UP THINKING FOR FORFAR TRAFFIC
MEMBERS of Forfar Community Council are calling for a public consultation process to be set up to discuss a whole raft of issues affecting traffic movement through the town.
To set the ball rolling they are to invite the relevant heads of department at Angus Council to a meeting to discuss a number of factors which have the potential to clog up the town centre.
The introduction of more yellow lines and increased speed limits (as proposed under the Forfar Traffic Management Plan (Order 200X)), the proposed closure of the Lochlands junction and the implications this would have for traffic entering Forfar via the Glamis Road, and town centre refuse and paper collection prompted an interim meeting of the community council last Monday evening prior to their August meeting last Thursday.
Chairman Mrs Isobel Ross said all the individual factors had huge implications for the town and its residents.
Members opposed the proposed increase in speed limit along one section of the Glamis Road leading to the by-pass.
They also felt any closure of the Lochlands junction would increase the amount of traffic entering or exiting Forfar via Glamis Road, including heavy goods vehicles passing through Forfar.
There was a bus stop on the Glamis Road, Benholm Nursing Home, St David's Residential Home, Andrew Smyth Gardens and Langlands Primary School's main entrance was on Glamis Road, as well as various other roads leading from housing schemes.
Mrs Ross told last Thursday's meeting: "At present, pedestrians, especially the elderly and infirm, have difficulty crossing Glamis Road and it is not always convenient to cross at the West Port traffic lights.
Members also called for the re-introduction of the one-way traffic system in Castle Street, stating it worked well during alterations to the municipal building and was well worth considering on a permanent basis.
Another option was the pedestrianisation of part of Castle Street.
They felt the Traffic Management Plan Forfar Order (200X) appeared to be nothing more than "tinkering with yellow paint."
Proper enforcement of existing traffic orders was required which would be a positive step to keep traffic moving to avoid bottlenecks, especially in East and West High Street and Castle Street.
Mrs Ross said: "To enforce the existing traffic orders, we would suggest a full time traffic warden. This could be a trial period, useful in identifying areas which are giving concern."
At their interim meeting members also discussed redevelopment plans for Forfar town centre.
They felt a number of issues had to be addressed before work begins on the town centre.
They also questioned why bin lorries had to be in Castle Street in the afternoons.
The slow speed of the lorries regularly caused traffic problems which was hazardous for the men on the job.
They called for a total review of the refuse/paper collection in the town centre.
Mrs Ross stated: "Bins waiting collection discourage visitors to the town. There are also concerns regarding bins sitting permanently outside premises. These are obstacles facing pedestrians, pram pushers and motorised buggy users."
Plans for the closure of the Lochlands junction and its implications also featured during the two meetings.
They felt no decision should be made for a grade separated junction or the use of the old Dundee/Forfar road until they are costed and discussed with the local community.
Mrs Ross stated: "We must have the best possible option for Forfar."
Forfar councillor Glennis Middleton told last Thursday's meeting she was "appalled" by Transport Scotland's suggestion to close the central reservation on the A90. Her feelings were backed fully by fellow councillor John Rymer.
Mrs Middleton said: "My view now, as it was then, is that the level of traffic using the Glamis Road would be appalling.
"It is a fast road, there is going to be a new school on that road. The roads department does not think the Glamis Road and the West Port traffic lights will cope with the influx of traffic coming in there.
"I think it would be an accident waiting to happen."
She stated she did not see any reason for anyone driving up to the Lochlands junctions and turning right.
"But I would not wish to see all traffic channelled either on the Kirrie Road, or the Glamis Road in particular.
"I fully support the decision taken by the council that we push hard for either a fly over or an under-pass in the long term.
"The thought of all these heavy vehicles coming in the Glamis Road just appals me.
"I have had concerns about the Glamis Road for a lot of years, as I know a lot of community councillors have.
"We have to look at all the options."
The community councillors called for a public consultation to be undertaken to look at the Forfar Traffic Management Plan (order 200X), the speed limits, the Lochlands junction and the town centre refuse collection.
They felt all the traffic changes would have a knock-on effect on the town.
They added the consultation must include input from members of the public, shop keepers and other businesses in the town, the local Small Business Association, Tayside Police, Transport Scotland, Forfar and Kirriemuir Taxi Operators Association, Forfar Community Council and any other local organisation.
Referring to their calls for a full consultation, Mrs Ross said: "These are things we would like to see happening and we are looking for support from council heads of department and elected members."
She added members of community council would be willing to go out to meet the people and conduct a survey to find out what they wanted
"We could take to the streets to ask people about car parking, ask the local shop keepers and find out what the Small Business Association feels.
"We are not trying to ruin the shop trade, we are trying to encourage it by getting people in to the town and to get them to park legitimately.
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Weather for Forfar
Sunday 05 February 2012
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