| Liberal Democrat member Peter Barrett has asked Tayside Police to take action at Bridgend, a notorious traffic bottleneck on the edge of the city centre.
He expressed concerns after locals complained of dangers to pedestrians and other road users, with the problems at their worst at peak times.
Mr Barrett said, “The junction is plagued by dangerous drivers disregarding the traffic signals and ignoring the yellow box junction rules.
“It has got to stop. I am very pleased that the police will be directing their spotlight on hazardous driving at the Bridgend lights.”
The councillor has been actively campaigning for road safety improvements at the junction for more than two years.
He explained that problems at Bridgend arise from two issues. Firstly, drivers approaching from Scone fill the junction as they attempt to turn on to Perth Bridge, blocking the crossing for pedestrians when the green man is showing.
Secondly, drivers regularly commit red light offences, mainly when moving on to the junction from Lochie Brae and from Main Street.
Mr Barrett wrote to Tayside Police asking for greater enforcement against red light offenders and those blocking the junction.
He said, “As well as being dangerous, particularly when there are school pupils around, failing to stop is an endorsable offence.
“Too many drivers have been getting away with it for too long. Residents will be reassured by police efforts to detect and deter drivers whose selfish behaviour is threatening pedestrian safety.”
He added, “There are more vulnerable people using this junction than almost any other in Perth — elderly residents, school pupils and out-patients from Murray Royal Hospital.
“Drivers need to be aware of who they might harm by their carelessness. I hope the police action will penalise the culprits and bring about a much-needed improvement in road safety.” |
