Paisley: Pedestrian barriers to be installed at busy junction

The junction of Glasgow Road and Hawkhead Road, near Barshaw Park, Paisley, has become a crash hotspot in recent months.

Fed-up resident Hilda Cameron had her garden wall left in pieces twice in the same month by collisions, one of which involved a driver running a red light.

Renfrewshire Council initially ruled out any form of metal barrier or bollards, claiming these wouldn’t work properly and could hinder the safety of drivers who lose control.

But elected members decided enough was enough at their latest meeting, as a motion from councillors Neill Graham and Jim Sharkey – who both represent the area – agreeing for pedestrian barriers to be put in place was passed unanimously.

Ms Cameron, who previously said she was worried someone would be killed, described the latest development as “absolutely wonderful news."

“I’d like to thank both councillors for all their support," she added. "It is so appreciated and a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”

Councillor Graham told the meeting that the safety of road users and pedestrians is of "the utmost importance."

He added: "It is the council’s responsibility to do everything possible to lower the risk of injury to the public.

“Since the new housing development on Hawkhead Road was built, the amount of traffic has increased and this junction in its current form is not fit for purpose.

“It’s a very busy junction, not only for cars but also for pedestrians. Some sort of barrier to help protect pedestrians and make them feel safer is very much needed.”

In December, the council confirmed plans to introduce measures at the junction to slow traffic down, with elected members to be consulted on those later this year.

Councillor Sharkey said: “Part of the difficulty with this is the whole corridor forms an unofficial bypass for Paisley and is used way beyond what it was originally designed for.

“This a real, continuing problem. If we can get these barriers up, I think that would be excellent.”