Community bid for road safety improvements at Castle Douglas junction finally pays off

Community Campaign Leads to Road Safety Improvements in Castle Douglas

After a successful community campaign for road safety improvements at a junction in Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway Council has agreed to take action. The council has decided to repaint road markings and explore the installation of new signs at the roundabout located at the top of King Street in order to enhance road safety in the area.

Earlier this year, a £3.7 million Active Travel proposal to replace the roundabout with four-way traffic lights was scrapped due to strong opposition from local residents. The community believed that simpler measures like signs and road markings would suffice to address safety concerns. Now, their efforts have finally borne fruit as the council has committed to implementing these changes.

Tammie Kirk, who was actively involved in campaigning against the original proposal, expressed delight at the news, stating, “It’s absolutely fantastic and we’re just glad common sense is finally prevailing. The community has made it crystal clear all along that what we wanted was not the excessive Active Travel proposal but signs and lines.”

Concerns have been raised about drivers navigating the roundabout incorrectly, particularly since the opening of a new Aldi store on Oakwell Road. Ms Kirk highlighted the need for clearer signage and road markings, especially with the increased traffic flow in the area.

The scheduled improvements include repainting the road markings in early 2025, subject to weather conditions, and a comprehensive review of road markings and signs at the roundabout. Councillor Pauline Drysdale of Castle Douglas and Crocketford expressed relief at the council’s decision to address the community’s longstanding concerns.

The council spokesperson acknowledged the lack of community support for the initial Active Travel concept designs and assured that the upcoming improvements align with the Local Place Plan. It is anticipated that the road markings and signage enhancements will be implemented in Q4 of 2024/25 to promote road safety at the strategic roundabout.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the community in Castle Douglas have successfully led to significant road safety improvements at a crucial junction. By advocating for practical solutions and engaging with local authorities, residents have demonstrated the power of community activism in ensuring a safer environment for all road users.