Efforts to tackle the issue of speeding drivers in Aberfoyle have been given the thumbs up by local campaigners.
Following safety concerns about the potential impact of speeding drivers on the main village road, a package of measures were put in place by Stirling Council to ensure drivers adhered to the 20 miles per hour speed limit.
They included a speed detector on the main A821 road, as well as increased signage highlighting the speed limit.
Trevor Geraghty, chairman of Strathard Community Council, said: “For many years we’d had issues with speeding through this village.
“It’s a busy A-road with many commercial vehicles, lorries and vans cutting through Aberfoyle to get to their destination. Motorists travelling through at speed suddenly find themselves in a small village and don’t always have time to slow down, despite the 20mph signs.
“Aberfoyle is home to a big primary school and also attracts lots of tourists. Without a pedestrian crossing in the area, people are regularly crossing this busy road and speeding has caused anxiety for a long time.
“It was really important to find a solution that would alert drivers to the speed limit before they got into the village.
“I’ve been really pleased to see with my own eyes that the speed indicator is working. Motorists are now slowing down as they approach the road. “The fact that we can see traffic has significantly slowed as it enters the village has proven the point that the electronic sign is needed, and I hope it can be made permanent going forwards.”
That praise for the impact of the scheme in slowing drivers down through the village has also been shared by Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed - who called for the signage currently in place to be made a permanent fixture.
Ms Tweed said: “This has been a longstanding issue for the village, with residents raising concerns about this with me for a number of years.
“Aberfoyle is a beautiful part of Stirling which is very popular with residents and tourists alike, so it’s really important people feel safe in the village. It’s great to see a solution which is having a positive impact and helps to reassure the Aberfoyle community.
“I note that the council haven’t yet confirmed as to whether this sign will be made permanent. I very much hope it will be, given the level of concern expressed about speeding on the road for so many years.
“I thank Stirling Council for its efforts in addressing this issue, and to the local community council and residents for working collaboratively to improve their village.”
