Permanent speed cameras are “the answer” to tackling dangerous driving on a busy road in Bridge of Weir, an elected member has claimed.

Concerns have been reiterated over Kilmacolm Road – where residents have admitted they “live in fear” of the stretch – as vehicles continue to tear through the village.

A mobile camera van, also known as “flexible deployment”, monitored the area between June and September last year, enforcing on seven occasions, after a call for action from a resident at Renfrewshire Council’s petitions board almost two years ago.

But it appears the irresponsible behaviour from some drivers has not relented on the road – which has a 30mph limit – leading to Councillor James MacLaren warning of a “risk to human life”.

The Conservative representative for Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank said: “A lot of work went into the petition and that’s what got us the mobile speed camera.

“But to resolve issues like crazy individuals doing 60 or 70mph in Bridge of Weir, we really need permanent speed cameras. I think that’s the answer.

“There has been talk of making gateways to a number of the villages. I’m not sure what the proposal is for Kilmacolm Road.

“We’ve had a gateway there for a number of years now and it doesn’t seem to have done very much other than being flattened every so often.

“I’m not against gateways to curb speeds, if they work, but clearly the one on Kilmacolm Road hasn’t worked and isn’t working.

“It’s a real possibility that someone could get injured. There is definitely a risk to human life.”

The local authority carried out a speed survey on Kilmacolm Road in October 2022 in response to the concerns raised by the community.

The results showed some drivers had reached alarming speeds of between 60 to 65mph, 65 to 70mph and on one occasion in excess of 70mph.

This week, a council spokesperson said: “We recognise concerns around speeding in villages and while speed cameras are a matter for the Safety Camera Partnership to consider, we are working with residents in Renfrewshire villages, including in Bridge of Weir, to develop road safety measures and make villages safer and more welcoming places for people to walk around and enjoy.”

Safety Cameras Scotland has explained its speed enforcement sites are chosen on the basis of injury or collision history and where speed or red-light running can be identified as a significant factor in collisions.

Alan Bowater, West Safety Camera Unit manager, said: “The site at Kilmacolm Road, Bridge of Weir, did not meet the criteria for a permanent enforcement location.

“A decision was taken to conduct a flexible deployment after concerns were raised by Renfrewshire Council about increased speeds through the village.

“The safety camera unit has occasion to enforce at sites on a flexible deployment which would not normally be identified during the annual site selection process.

“Flexible deployments are available in response to emerging issues, where there has been a change in traffic behaviour which has raised concerns.”