Shared surface scheme gets go-ahead, 27 January 2010
Proposals for a shared surface scheme in the town centre of Coupar angus (click here for details) were given the go-ahead by the Enterprise & Infrastructure Committee of Perth & Kinross Council on Wednesday 27 January. Shared surface schemes involve the removal of drop kerbs, so that pedestrians and vehicles effectively share the same surface. The area for vehicles is indicated by a change in surface colour, and by textured surfaces along the edge of the boundary between roadway and pavement.
The meeting was attended by four members of Coupar Angus, Ardler and Bendochy Community Council, three of whom addressed the committee. They raised concerns expressed by local traders who fear that the loss of 17 parking spaces at the High Street will undermine trade in local shops.
Community councillors also pointed to evidence from the Guide Dogs Association that shared surface schemes pose a risk to sight-impaired pedestrians and small children due to the need for eye-to-eye contact with drivers to establish who has right of way. Guide dog users are at particular risk because the dogs are trained to stop at drop kerbs.
Perth & Kinross Council officers defended the proposals, saying that most of the parking spaces at the High Street were occupied all day, and were therefore of no use to visiting shoppers - although a survey by one shopkeeper found that many of his customers regularly parked in the High Street.
With regard to pedestrian safety, Council officers said that the provision of a zebra crossing, albeit without push-buttons to stop traffic, would solve this problem.
Although some of the committee members expressed concern about potential parking difficulties, they unanimously approved the proposals.
The full Council report can be seen here.
The meeting was attended by four members of Coupar Angus, Ardler and Bendochy Community Council, three of whom addressed the committee. They raised concerns expressed by local traders who fear that the loss of 17 parking spaces at the High Street will undermine trade in local shops.
Community councillors also pointed to evidence from the Guide Dogs Association that shared surface schemes pose a risk to sight-impaired pedestrians and small children due to the need for eye-to-eye contact with drivers to establish who has right of way. Guide dog users are at particular risk because the dogs are trained to stop at drop kerbs.
Perth & Kinross Council officers defended the proposals, saying that most of the parking spaces at the High Street were occupied all day, and were therefore of no use to visiting shoppers - although a survey by one shopkeeper found that many of his customers regularly parked in the High Street.
With regard to pedestrian safety, Council officers said that the provision of a zebra crossing, albeit without push-buttons to stop traffic, would solve this problem.
Although some of the committee members expressed concern about potential parking difficulties, they unanimously approved the proposals.
The full Council report can be seen here.
