Chapelhall’s main road will be transformed next month with the removal of its controversial chicanes – with the area’s councillors saying opinion on the traffic-calming measure has been divided during the two years they have been in place.
Work begins on July 5 to replace the chicanes at Woodhall Street and Bo’ness Road with speed tables, after the former were found not to be reducing speeds on the busy route and 95 per cent of online survey respondents called for them to be removed.
North Lanarkshire Council officials are unable to confirm the cost of the upgrading project due to “commercial sensitivity”. The new roadworks are taking place less than two years after the chicanes were installed in October 2019.
Airdrie South’s four councillors have broadly welcomed the move but suggested that despite the overwhelming survey response, public opinion on the chicanes was more evenly split.
Conservative member Sandy Watson told Lanarkshire Live he is “more than pleased” that the chicanes are being replaced, saying: “They were causing a bottleneck at peak times, sometimes even to the detriment of traffic trying to head up Lancaster Avenue.
“[This was] one of the areas of faster car speeds during the day as there was an effort to get there first; the speed tables will put an end to that and will slow the traffic down.
“Constituents I have spoken to have been in favour of speed tables and this is reflected in the voting figures in the consultation.”
Referring to a narrow majority decision against the additional installation of three proposed mini-roundabouts further along Lauchope Street, he added: “I’m surprised that the voting was so close – I thought these would be another safety measure, but perhaps the feeling was not to have too many impediments to travel in that area.
“With new signage to encourage more use of the route around Lancaster Avenue, I expect that these proposals will enhance car journeys through the village.
“It was important to try everything to improve the safety and the travel experience in the village – and while the chicanes have not been the success hoped for, we have learned from that.”
Ward colleague Paul Di Mascio of the SNP said: “Aspects of the changes which were weighted strongly for in the consultation certainly surprised me, as I have had many constituents contact me in favour of the chicanes remaining.
“However, importantly in a public consultation, all parties are able to provide their input – the feedback made it clear what those who participated in the survey wanted.
“I’m delighted that the council listened to us and ensured that there was at least an online consultation process, it was just unfortunate that Covid-19 restrictions [meant] this could not be carried out simultaneously in a public forum.”
He added: “The main through road in and out of Chapelhall has long been an issue and I sincerely hope that the changes which are now scheduled to go ahead help bring about the traffic calming and management that is required.
“I would also remind people who do not need to drive through the village to use the Lancaaster Avenue route, which bypasses the perimeter of the village; and I welcome also the plans to place crossing spots and footpath widening.”
Party colleague Michael Coyle agreed that opinion has been split on Chapelhall’s traffic-calming measures; but says the planned new east Airdrie link road will ultimately make a big difference to the area.
He said: “People who I spoke to wanted to keep the chicanes; a lot wanted them but others argued against and with the consultation being online due to Covid, it’s been more difficult to get a proper assessment of the situation as not everyone has a computer to take part.
“Drivers want to take a shortcut to where they’re going and it’s important that the new speed bumps deter people from flying over them.
“The new bypass will be a godsend for the people of Chapelhall and will hopefully help reduce emissions in the area.”
Labour councillor Ian McNeil said: “People are quite passionate about this issue – for the past 18 months there’s been a campaign from various residents who weren’t happy with what was put in place, but I think it’s probably a 50-50 split.
“We’ve been approached by a lot of people and it’s been difficult for us; I think some will be happy and some unhappy, but when it was measured traffic was speeding up to try to get through the chicanes rather than sit and wait.
“I agree the money cost to put them in and then take them out is very unfortunate; but the objective is to solve traffic problems so my position is that if the alternative design achieves that, it’s the right direction.”
A council spokesperson said: “The chicanes on Woodhall Street were installed in response to local concerns about traffic speeds in the village, and designed to significantly reduce [these].
“However, surveys confirmed that they were not achieving the desired levels of speed reduction. In our recent consultation with local residents and businesses, the majority of respondents wanted the chicanes removed.
“They will be replaced with three speed tables and complemented with a new traffic island on Bo’ness Road.
“There was no strong preference for or against the introduction of mini-roundabouts so these will not be installed at the moment; however, following implementation of the other road safety improvements, more traffic speed and volume surveys will be undertaken [and] analysed to determine whether further improvements are required.”
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