Police back Muthill speeding campaign

Published 23 May 2012 09:30

MUTHILL community chiefs rallying round in a bid to stop speeding in their village before "something serious happens" have received police support.

Frustrated with speeding cars and heavy lorries thundering through their conservation village they appealed to Tayside Police who agreed to carry out speed checks in the village.

They will be looking to enforce a minimum fine of £60 and three penalty points for the problem that has left many mums worried for the safety of their children in the village, especially as they make their way to school.

The Community Futures Traffic Steering group have been fighting for the problem to be solved for months and are delighted they have received police backing. They have been working closely with the council, including carrying out a traffic survey which recorded 46 vehicles travelling between 45-50mph in the 30mph zone in "very snowy and icy conditions."

They met with Inspector Emma Bowman, Head of the Road Policing Unit, who said: "Muthill is one of several rural villages in Perthshire that is plagued by speeding motorists who do not respect the 30mph speed limit … as a short term solution, both local officers and officers from The Road Policing Unit will be carrying out speed checks in the village with a view to enforcement. The minimum penalty for speeding is £60 and three points and this will be applied in appropriate circumstances."

Chair Ailsa Mooney welcomed the support from the police, saying: "This is a major boost to our project and we are grateful that Inspector Bowman has recognised this long term problem and is prepared to increase enforcement and surveillance."

Steering group member Nick James added: "The speeding problem is made worse in Muthill by the narrow and twisting nature of the main road through the village, added to the fact that people's front doors open straight onto the often narrow pavement.

"For many people, crossing the road means taking your life into your hands, while parents are increasingly reluctant to let their children walk through the village on their own. This is doubly significant given Muthill's status as an Outstanding Conservation Village."

Discussions between the community, police and council are also looking at more permanent measures to reduce the speed of drivers such as village gateways, countdown markers and variable speed signs in order to bring the problem fully under control.

There will be a full consultation on the speeding concerns for residents on May 26 in Muthill Village Hall.

Ailsa added: "This community meeting will form part of the launch of zero waste fortnight and is very important for keeping residents of the village informed of ongoing developments.

"We are very keen that Muthill villagers have a forum where they can voice their opinions and we would very much welcome further ideas which may improve the quality of life for anyone affected by roads and traffic in the village."

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