Midlothian council which has been dubbed the ‘speed bump capital of Scotland’ is set to introduce more of the traffic calming measures in two tiny rural communities.
Residents of Newlandrig, which has just 17 houses, called for action to tackle drivers speeding through their tiny hamlet which lies on the road between Gorebridge and the A68 in Midlothian.
Earlier this year Midlothian councillors agreed to introduce street lighting and traffic islands in the community after hearing the same parked van had been hit twice in separate night time incidents.
But calls for speed bumps were put on hold while a further consultation was carried out. Now a report to councillors next week will give them the option of introducing them and extending them to the neighbouring tiny village of Dewarton.
Officers say that while their advice remains not to introduce the bumps which they say are normally avoided on B roads if councillors do decide to go ahead with them they should include the neighbouring village as well.
Their report, which will be considered at the council’s cabinet meeting next week says a consultation of people living in Newlandrig and the surrounding area found overwhelming support for the bumps from residents in the hamlet and Dewarton with 87.5 per cent of those who took part keen to have them adding that there was a subsequent request for Dewarton to also receive speed humps.
In their recommendations to councillors, officers say if they approve Newlandrig they should include their neighbours saying: “If approved officers would recommend aligning speed hump installation into Dewarton also within the same project due to similarities in vehicle speeds and significantly more residencies.”
Almost all the residents of Newlandrig signed a petition put before council last year calling for action to stop people speeding through their community saying a 20 mile an hour limit placed on it was being ignored.
The small community, which is near Vogrie Country Park, wanted speed bumps put in however at a meeting of the cabinet last November councillors raised concerns about the action with claims the county was in danger of being crowned the “speed bump capital of Scotland”.
Council officers were asked to draw up options for changes which could be made to safeguard the community which had reported three serious accidents in 10 years.
In June cabinet agreed to introduce street lighting and traffic islands with further consultations requested on the bumps.
They will be asked to decide whether to approve or deny the speed bumps next week and if approved will see five introduced in Newlandrig and three in Dewarton at a cost to council of £40,000
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
