A long-standing safety concern in the heart of Rothesay has been raised once again by local resident Charlene Woods, following her email to Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for roads, transport, and amenity services – John Brown.
In her email seen by the Isle of Bute News, Woods has urged the council to take action to address the dangerous driving habits of many motorists turning left onto Stuart Street from High Street.
Charlene, who has lived in her flat nearby since 2014, has repeatedly raised the issue with both local councillors and the council over the years.
Her primary concern has always been the speed at which vehicles approach and turn into Stuart Street, a blind corner which poses significant risks to pedestrians, including young children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues.
In her letter, Woods recalls how, during the years she’s lived there, she voiced her concerns to numerous council members, including the late Len Scoullar, and was even invited to speak at a Cowal and Bute Area committee meeting.
While some action has been taken – such as the installation of a pedestrian warning sign – Charlene believes these measures have been insufficient, especially given the continued high speed of traffic and the street’s narrow pavement: “I’ve always felt that the council is waiting for a serious accident to occur before taking any action.
“I can hear cars accelerating as they make the turn into Stuart Street.
“The street is so narrow, and pedestrians, including people with mobility aids, often need to step into the road.
“On several occasions, I have nearly been hit by cars while crossing the street.”
She pointed out that Stuart Street, which is a one-way street, is often used as a shortcut by drivers, especially during peak hours.
She even went as far as recording daily traffic counts using an indoor camera, revealing that on some days as many as 500 vehicles passed her window, even during the off-season.
Despite reporting these figures to local councillor Reenie Kennedy-Boyle, the action taken has been limited to a pedestrian warning sign that Charlene feels is not enough to slow drivers down – especially when the sign faces towards cars turning right, rather than left, onto the road.
She also highlighted a longstanding proposal to square off the corner at the Mercat Cross, which could force drivers to slow down before turning, as well as her previous offer to pay for the installation of a speed bump – an idea that was rejected.
She added: “My offer to fund a speed bump was dismissed because it was claimed the noise would be too disruptive.
‘But the noise of traffic and bin lorries is already a fact of life, and there are very few vehicles on Stuart Street at night anyway.
“I believe a speed bump could make a real difference.”
In her letter, Woods stressed the importance of considering the safety of the many pedestrians who use Stuart Street, particularly visitors to the nearby Bute Museum, Moat Community Centre, and Rothesay Library.
She argued that a lower speed limit, such as 20mph, could serve as a reminder to drivers to slow down, although she acknowledged that speed limits without proper enforcement would not be effective on their own.
Charlene Woods has been advocating for a safer environment for herself, her neighbours, and the many visitors to the area.
With the start of the New Year, Woods is once again urging the council to take action before a tragic accident occurs.
As the streets of Rothesay continue to grow busier with both residents and visitors, the need for improved pedestrian safety on Stuart Street has never been
more pressing.