CALLS have been made for road markings on the narrow road bridges around Islay, with councillors giving their backing.
A resident asked the question of councillors in a bid to keep motorists informed where bridges on the island are reduced to a single lane.
An Argyll and Bute Council official said that assessment would be required first, but that he was happy to look into the matter, with councillors then agreeing with the comments made.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area committee on Wednesday, September 2.
Jean Mary Knowles said during public question time: “There are bridges which are often not well recognised by vehicles where the carriageway narrows to effectively a single lane.
“The ends of the bridge are usually painted white, but when they get hit, they disappear. Is it possible to have road markings on the surface to indicate that this is one lane only?
“There are five bridges I can think of on the A846 between Ardbeg and Port Charlotte.”
Mark Calder, the council’s project manager, responded: “There is established national guidance covering signage. This is set out in something called the traffic signs manual.
“Where a two-way road narrows there can be something to make drivers aware. The exact arrangement required at any particular bridge would depend on the width, geometry and conditions.
“I would not want to suggest particular treatment without it being assessed first. If you send me exact details, we would be happy to consider whether any additional measures are appropriate.”
Councillor Dougie McFadzean (SNP, Kintyre and the Islands) then said: “I fully endorse what Dr Knowles has said, and I am happy to be part of that conversation.
“Very often vehicles hit the parapets of the bridge and the wall collapses, and the grass verges can also obscure the edges of the bridges.
“There are a number of bridges that do narrow. In my police days I attended many road accidents.”
Councillor Alastair Redman (Independent, Kintyre and the Islands) added: “It may have been when Councillor McFadzean was on duty there was a bad crash outside Port Charlotte. There were injuries but thankfully no fatalities.
“They are quite common unfortunately, as are overgrown verges. I would say that every bridge needs looked at.”
