Councillor says he understands parking concerns over traffic lights installation at Bearsden

A councillor says he understands the concerns of local people - included a disabled young woman - set to lose their parking bays when a controversial new traffic lights system is put in place at Bearsden.
Milngavie RoadMilngavie Road
Milngavie Road

The Herald reported recently how East Dunbartonshire Council is forging ahead with the installation of lights at Milngavie Road’s junction with the Allander Centre.

Since the article was published, the paper has been inundated with letters, phone calls and emails from local people up in arms over the plan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Traffic lights here, they say, will mean standing traffic, reduced air quality, difficulties turning right out of Mosshead Road and loss of on-street parking for residents.

Councillor Duncan Cumming (Independent Bearsden North) voted in favour of the traffic lights installation at a meeting of the council’s Planning Board last summer. The proposal was passed by 13-5 votes.

However, he told the Herald last week he had put forward proposals he hoped could provide some mitigation for the loss of parking on the A81.

Those set to lose their parking space include Lynne and Alistair McLean. Their daughter has cerebral palsy, severe learning difficulties and significant mobility issues. The family, who have lived at Milngavie Road for 23 years, say the importance of immediate access to a vehicle is vital.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Cumming said: “I do understand people’s concerns about the loss of public parking on the A81. That is exactly why I put forward at the Planning Board the suggestion that the Council should examine the possibility of paying for improvements to the rear lane to help facilitate better access and parking at rear of the properties.

"On the basis this lane is privately owned, this would have required the consent of the co-proprietors if any modifications were possible. However, I was advised there was no facility to offer this type of support for the loss of parking on a public road."

He said his suggestion a community stakeholder group be formed was not supported. He added he believed the “paramount” consideration at the junction and any other should be the safety of those who use it.

Related topics: