The trial, which will run until Saturday 9 June, will mean that shoppers and visitors to the town can use all Council run car parks and on-street parking in the town centre for free on Saturdays.

Elizabeth . . . → Read More: Kilmarnock all set for free Saturday parking]]> From Saturday 14 April a free parking trial will be introduced in Kilmarnock town centre.

The trial, which will run until Saturday 9 June, will mean that shoppers and visitors to the town can use all Council run car parks and on-street parking in the town centre for free on Saturdays.

Elizabeth Morton, Depute Chief Executive and Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services said: “There is a considerable cost attached to the trial, we are hoping that free parking will improve Saturday trading for our local retailers. We have a wealth of independent retailers and traders, a good mix of large national retailers and of course great quality restaurants and cafés; there really is something for everyone within our town centre.”

It is important to note that parking will be free of charge but all other restrictions will apply including maximum stay restrictions within short stay car parks and on-street parking to ensure turnover of spaces and allow as many people as possible to enjoy visiting the town centre.

Ends

Work requires to be carried out urgently on a culvert located on the A70 at Coalhall near Drongan and is anticipated to last 3 days.

East Ayrshire Council apologises for any disruption caused by . . . → Read More: Emergency roadworks A70]]> Due to emergency roadworks the A70 will be closed from Friday 16 March to Monday 19 March 2012.

Work requires to be carried out urgently on a culvert located on the A70 at Coalhall near Drongan and is anticipated to last 3 days.

East Ayrshire Council apologises for any disruption caused by these emergency works. Road users can be assured that all steps will be taken to ensure that a diversionary route is in place.

Resurfacing works will take place on Main Street, Kilmaurs over two . . . → Read More: A735 Resurfacing – Main Street, Kilmaurs & Rigg Street, Stewarton]]> East Ayrshire Council, as part of its extensive programme of works being carried out this financial year to improve the condition of the road network, will be carrying out the next phase of re-surfacing works on the A735 at Kilmaurs and Stewarton.

Resurfacing works will take place on Main Street, Kilmaurs over two consecutive weekends – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 March and Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March and on Rigg Street, Stewarton from Monday 12 March 2012 for a period of five days.

Due to the limited carriageway widths and the nature of the work, it will be necessary, in order to protect the safety of both the travelling public and the workforce, to close the carriageway at both locations for the duration of the works. Diversion routes will be fully signed throughout the area.

Blue Light Emergency Service access will be maintained at all times.

Whilst the closure of the above roads will cause temporary disruption and inconvenience to the travelling public, road users will appreciate that these are essential works which will improve the quality and lifespan of the road surface. The Council thanks the public for their patience over these two weekends.

Ends

This £300,000 project, which is weather dependent, will involve signing . . . → Read More: Roadworks at A70 Coalhall and A70 Ochiltree]]> East Ayrshire Council, as part of its extensive programme to improve the condition of the road network, will be carrying out essential road resurfacing works on the A70 at Coalhall and Ochiltree. Work will start on Monday 2 April 2012 for approximately 2 weeks.

This £300,000 project, which is weather dependent, will involve signing works, lighting works, planing off areas of the existing road surface, deep patching, regulating and resurfacing a 900m length of road at A70 Coalhall, from Keenan’s Garage to Coyle Bridge and a 900m length at A70 Ochiltree, from Main Street to Findlayston Farm.

To ensure the safety of roads operatives and the travelling public a convoy system and/or road closures will be in place during this period and some delays will be inevitable. However to minimise inconvenience the works have been planned to coincide with the school holidays.

The following traffic management system will be put in place during the works:

Proposed Traffic Management for A70 Coalhall – For preparatory works, a convoy system will be in operation throughout the week Monday 2 to Thursday 5 April, when signed accordingly. This system involves traffic being brought to a halt in advance of the works and is then led slowly, 10mph or less, in single file passed the works by an appropriately signed works vehicle.

The final surface course will be laid over the period of Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, and Thursday 12 April and a road closure will be implemented during this period. Diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the diversion route when signed accordingly. The signed diversion route will be A70, A76, A77 and vice versa.

Proposed Traffic Management for A70 Ochiltree. For preparatory works, a convoy system will be in operation throughout the weeks Monday 2 to Thursday 5 April and Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 April when signed accordingly. This system involves traffic being brought to a halt in advance of the works and is then led slowly, 10mph or less, in single file passed the works by an appropriately signed works vehicle.
The final surface course will be laid over the period Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April and a road closure will be implemented during this period. Diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the diversion route when signed accordingly. The signed diversion route will be A70, A76, A77 and vice versa.

No work is proposed over the Easter Weekend – Friday 6 to Monday 9 April 2012.

Please allow sufficient time when planning your journey as some delays will be inevitable. Pedestrian access and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times. Advisory signs will be erected in advance of the works to alert the travelling public and the work will be carried out by Barr Ltd.

East Ayrshire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during these essential road works.

Ends

Education, Engineering and Enforcement is the Council’s route to safer roads. From 2006 till 2010 the number of people injured on roads across Scotland declined and the average reduction rate of . . . → Read More: East Ayrshire streets are miles safer]]> Road accident casualties in East Ayrshire continue to fall year on year as the Council’s three-E approach to road safety takes effect.

Education, Engineering and Enforcement is the Council’s route to safer roads. From 2006 till 2010 the number of people injured on roads across Scotland declined and the average reduction rate of accidents stands at 46%. However in East Ayrshire the year on year decline in the number of people injured means that our reduction rate is 61% for all age groups while the under 16 age group shows marked improvement with the number of casualties reducing by 79% since 2006.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “Transport Scotland’s figures clearly show that our approach to road safety is working as we are one of the top performing councils in Scotland. This has been achieved by analysing road accidents and introducing appropriate road safety schemes; introducing 20’s plenty as part of our safer neighbourhood scheme and rural route action plans which make drivers aware of potential hazards on rural roads.

“Our road safety team also works very closely with schools drawing up travel plans for youngsters walking and cycling to school. They have very successfully rolled out the Junior Road Safety Officer scheme in every primary school in East Ayrshire and have been instrumental in introducing extensive cycle paths throughout our area.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We talk about reduction rates and percentages but these figures reflect real lives – lives that have been saved thanks to our approach to improving road safety.”

Ends

Work continues at pace on this iconic building and is on target to be completed this autumn. But as with any major development there has been an . . . → Read More: Town Centre open for business]]> From Handling Hair to Walker and Templeton to Sinforiani’s – Kilmarnock Town Centre is still open for business as works to regenerate the former Opera House continue.

Work continues at pace on this iconic building and is on target to be completed this autumn. But as with any major development there has been an impact on the main thoroughfare of the town. Some parking spaces on John Finnie Street and at the Johnnie Walker Bond have been utilised by the construction team and it is recognised that this is difficult for local traders.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The Opera House development is incredibly important for Kilmarnock town centre. It will bring an economic benefit to local traders as a result of increased footfall and life in the town centre however in the meantime we recognise that our local retailers are affected by the build process. They are being incredibly patient and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. Our town centre is still very much open for business and has lots to offer the local community.”

The multi-storey with its improved lighting is only minutes away from John Finnie Street and with parking for just £1 for the day is an excellent alternative to on-street parking.

Ends

No waiting and no loading restrictions will now be applied to Kersland Gait from the junction at Vennel Street to the traffic calming measures which narrow . . . → Read More: Loading and waiting restrictions for Kersland Gait]]> Stewarton’s Kersland Gait is set to benefit from parking restrictions following a number of complaints from local residents about vehicles parking on-street for long periods of time.

No waiting and no loading restrictions will now be applied to Kersland Gait from the junction at Vennel Street to the traffic calming measures which narrow the carriageway to a single lane.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “It is essential that there is good visibility on this stretch of road for the traffic calming measures to work effectively. Many people have been parking between the junction and the start of the calming features for long periods of time which has caused a real problem for residents. We have listened to their concerns and have taken action to resolve this issue.”

Ends

The new 68 space Park and Ride, developed by East Ayrshire Council in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Network Rail, . . . → Read More: Stewarton is ready to park and ride!]]> The much anticipated new Park and Ride car park off Standalane in Stewarton opens to the public tomorrow, Tuesday 31 January 2012, and the Council is anticipating high demand from local commuters.

The new 68 space Park and Ride, developed by East Ayrshire Council in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Network Rail, was constructed by Luddon Construction Ltd. The £750,000 facility includes a new two-way access road from Standalane together with a pedestrian walkway access ramp and stairs from the car park to both platforms at Stewarton Railway Station.

Improvements were also made to the layout of the junction of Standalane with Kilwinning Road which included the installation of a new street lighting system. The Park and Ride also incorporates spaces for disabled drivers plus parent and child parking, footway access from both Standalane and Ravenscraig Road, a new street lighting system, and full CCTV coverage.

Viewing the new site ahead of its official opening, Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration and SPT member for East Ayrshire; who was joined by local member for Annick – Councillor John McGhee, said: “I am delighted to see that this much needed Park and Ride facility is ready to open. I’m sure it will be welcomed by the many people who use the rail link, particularly between Glasgow and Kilmarnock. It will also help to reduce parking congestion in the area around the station for local residents.

“This has been a combined effort but goes to show how partnership working can deliver strategic transport solutions. Park and Ride schemes have been hugely successful across the region and I’m sure that this new facility will help build the transport network for this area for years to come.”

Ends

Two security shutters have been installed in the waiting area to close off the Burns Mall shopping centre outside normal shop opening hours, but which . . . → Read More: Open and shut case as access is restored at bus station]]> The installation of new shutters in the waiting areas at Kilmarnock Bus Station is the latest in a number of improvements to the bus station facilities in recent months.

Two security shutters have been installed in the waiting area to close off the Burns Mall shopping centre outside normal shop opening hours, but which will ensure that passengers still have full direct access to the bus station in the evenings.

Unveiling the shutters earlier this week, Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Community Safety said: “Kilmarnock Bus Station is the gateway into the town for many and East Ayrshire Council continues to work closely with partner agencies, Strathclyde Police, Stagecoach and Burns Mall security, to make the bus station a safe and pleasant environment for all passengers.

“These shutters are the perfect solution for providing access to the bus station in the evenings. There is now direct access to and from the bus station in the evenings, which is safe and secure, and fully accessible in the spirit of the Equality Act, 2010.”

Hugh Colville, Operation Managers, Burns Mall welcomed the shutter installation. He said: “We’ve already seen a significant decline in antisocial behaviour incidents thanks to the improved lighting, increased CCTV surveillance and the presence of a dedicated Burns Mall security guard within the waiting room and I am confident that with these improved evening access arrangements this trend will continue.”

Also attending the unveiling of the shutters were:
Councillor Douglas Reid, John Bryson, Head of Roads and Transportation, Barry McDonnell, Road and Transportation, Nathan Stanislawski, Stagecoach Operations Manager, Kilmarnock, David Crews, Burns Mall, Fiona Davidson and John McFarlane, Strathclyde Police, and Inspector Annette Morrison, Strathclyde Police.

Ends

Funding provided to the Community Planning Partnership from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme has allowed the Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran to purchase 9 hybridised light commercial vehicles to replace existing . . . → Read More: Latest technology brings cleaner air to East Ayrshire]]> Award winning hybrid technology vehicles are being introduced into East Ayrshire in a bid to lower carbon emissions.

Funding provided to the Community Planning Partnership from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme has allowed the Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran to purchase 9 hybridised light commercial vehicles to replace existing fleet vans.

The hybrid drive vehicles use revolutionary technology which has been developed by Ashwood’s – the leading developer of low emission vehicles in the UK. The company uses Formula One technology to recover kinetic energy usually wasted through braking and deceleration. While the new vehicles won’t be super fast, the technology allows the vehicle to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by increasing life to the battery rather than providing more power.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Chair of the Community Planning Partnership and Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “Through the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, the Scottish Government has set tough targets to decarbonise vehicles by 42% by 2020. The new vehicles, which will be used by employees from our Housing Asset Service, show a potential reduction of 12tonnes of CO2 per annum and if this is realised then the Council will look to introduce further vehicles through the ongoing fleet replacement programme.”

John Wright, Director of Information and Clinical Support Services for NHS Ayrshire & Arran, commented: “This is another excellent example of partnership working between NHS Ayrshire & Arran and East Ayrshire Council to help reduce energy costs and harmful emissions. These hybrid vehicles are able to deliver CO2 reductions and fuel savings of more than 15 per cent, at a time when both organisations are looking at ways of delivering greater efficiencies, while maintaining services of the highest quality and protecting the environment at the same time.”

Ends

On Saturday 3 December, Saturday 10 December, Saturday 17 December and Saturday 24 December all of the Council’s . . . → Read More: Free Christmas parking in Kilmarnock town centre]]> If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet don’t worry Kilmarnock Town Centre has Christmas all wrapped up with a wide range of home grown shops, large national stores and during December free Saturday parking.

On Saturday 3 December, Saturday 10 December, Saturday 17 December and Saturday 24 December all of the Council’s pay and display car parks will be free. In addition the Multi Storey Car Park will be operating under extended hours from Monday 19 December to Friday 23 December when it will be open till 7pm. On Saturday 24 December the multi storey will be open till 7pm and parking will be free all day.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “Kilmarnock Town Centre has much to offer shoppers this Christmas and with free parking available and extended hours at the multi storey there is nothing stopping shoppers from making the most of our fantastic town centre.”

Ends

A number of essential resurfacing works are due to take place in the vicinity of schools and have been programmed . . . → Read More: Roads resurfaced throughout East Ayrshire]]> The extensive £5m essential carriageway resurfacing programme within East Ayrshire is well underway. 41kms of road have already been resurfaced at a cost of almost £3.5m and the programme will continue through October.

A number of essential resurfacing works are due to take place in the vicinity of schools and have been programmed to coincide with the school holidays to minimise disruption.

The works include:

A759 and B7064 Moorfield
The area from the Abattoir Roundabout to Moorfield Industrial Estate and A71 Moorfield roundabout will be closed to all traffic from Monday 17 October 2011 for a period of 7 days. Diversions will be via Dundonald Road, Irvine Road and Crosshouse.

Onthank
Meiklewood Road and Tourhill Road will have closures or Temporary Traffic Lights set up at various times and local diversions will be set up. Works will commence on Saturday 15 October 2011 for a period of 7 days.

Bellfield
Hurlford Road will have temporary traffic lights in operation. There will be restrictions on Haining Ave with minor diversions in place. Works will commence on Monday 17 October for four days.

A719 Glasgow Road, Galston
Surfacing works will take place of the carriageway from the A71 at the roundabout to Loudoun Academy gates. The carriageway will be closed and diversions will be signed. These works will commence on Thursday 20 October for four days.

The closures of the roads detailed above are being put in place to ensure the safety of the roads operatives and the travelling public. The closures, particularly those in and around Moorfield, will lead to disruption for the travelling public. The Council apologises in advance for the inconvenience these closures will cause, however the works are essential and will improve the quality of the road surface.

Ends

A six-month contract duration has been allowed, so works should be completed by summer 2012.

The new bridge will incorporate a carriageway, a footway on either side of the . . . → Read More: New Dean Bridge boost to road safety]]> Work is due to start in January 2012 on a new state-of-the-art £1 million bridge in a boost to road safety at Kilmarnock’s Dean Ford.

A six-month contract duration has been allowed, so works should be completed by summer 2012.

The new bridge will incorporate a carriageway, a footway on either side of the road for pedestrians – and even a fish pass to allow for migration.

Councillor Iain Linton, Depute Leader of the Council, said: “Dean Ford floods on a regular basis and motorists are often caught out trying to cross. It can be very dangerous due to the strength of the river flow, which can sweep a car away.

“There was a serious incident only last week, when fire, coastguard, police and ambulance services had to be called out, when a motorist was stranded halfway across the ford in deep water.

“Diverting emergency services to rescue motorists can put other vulnerable groups at risk. This is yet another reason for getting the new bridge in place as soon as possible”.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety, said: “We consulted with members of the local community regarding the design of the bridge and the planned works.

“The Council is investing over £1m in this project – a real commitment to road safety in the area.”

John Bryson, Head of Roads and Transportation, said: “The new Dean Road Bridge will comprise of four spans of precast concrete box culvert and associated retaining walls with a 7.3m wide carriageway and two 2.5m wide footways. This will accommodate all vehicles and pedestrians using Dean Road and allow them to cross the Kilmarnock Water safely.

“Traffic calming measures comprising road humps and associated signing and lining are also being proposed for Dean Road and, subject to approval, works will be carried out under the main bridge construction project”.

ends

For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Project 1 A70 Muirkirk Road Lugar – . . . → Read More: Roadworks on A70, B741 and A713]]> East Ayrshire Council, as part of its significant programme of work being carried out this financial year to improve the condition of the road network, will be carrying out three essential road resurfacing projects on the A70 at Lugar, B741 Dalmellington Square and A713 Doonview Terr, Patna.

Project 1
A70 Muirkirk Road Lugar – Commencing Monday 22 August 2011 for One Week

This project involves removing the existing road surface, regulating and resurfacing a 215m length at Muirkirk Road, Lugar. In addition to this, 285sq.m of deep patching will be carried out between Craigston Square and Muirkirk Road, Lugar.

Preparatory work will be carried out under a Convoy System from Monday 22 to Friday 26 August and delays are possible throughout this period. To lay the final surface course the road will have to close for one day on Sunday 28 August. Diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the diversion route when signed accordingly: Westbound traffic will be diverted from A70 near Muirkirk via the B743, to Mauchline, turning left onto the A76 before rejoining the A70 at Dettingen Roundabout, Cumnock, and vice versa.

Project 2
B741 Dalmellington Square – Commencing Saturday 3 September 2011 for Two Weekends

This project involves removing the existing road surface, regulating and resurfacing the roundabout within the centre of Dalmellington.
To ensure the safety of the roads operatives and the travelling public, this area has to be closed over two weekends, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September and Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2011.

Traffic will be diverted via A713, Gateside Road, Broomknowe, B741 and vice versa.

Project 3
A713 Doonview Terrace to Stewart Place – Commencing Monday 5 September 2011 for One Week

This project involves removing the existing road surface, regulating and resurfacing a 350m length from Doonview Terrace to Stewart Place.

Preparatory work will be carried out under a Convoy System from Monday 5 to Friday 9 September and delays are possible throughout this period. To lay the final surface course the road will have to close for two days over the weekend of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. Diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the diversion route when signed accordingly:

Traffic will be diverted from the A713 via the bus route – Main St, Blaney Ave, Carskeoch Drive, Whitehill Ave, Carnshalloch Ave, Dalharco Ave before rejoining the A713 at Jellieston Terrace and vice versa.

Please allow sufficient time when planning your journey.

Advisory signs will be erected in advance of the works to alert the travelling public.

East Ayrshire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during these essential road works.

Ends

Due to the limited carriageway widths, it will be necessary, in order . . . → Read More: Resurfacing works – Borebrae, Newmilns]]> East Ayrshire Council, as part of its significant programme of work being carried out this financial year to improve the condition of the road network, will be carrying out the re-surfacing of Borebrae in Newmilns during the week commencing Monday 15 August.

Due to the limited carriageway widths, it will be necessary, in order to protect the safety of both the public and the workforce, to close the carriageway at times during the works. The closure will be restricted to between 0900 and 1600.

A diversion route will be signed via the rural Woodhead Road to the main A71 at the Fire Station at Gilfoot.

East Ayrshire Council apologises in advance for the disruption that this closure will inevitably cause but can assure residents that any emergency vehicle requiring access will not be restricted.

Further information can obtained from East Ayrshire Roads on 01563 503160.

Ends

Road Safety Officers manned clinics throughout the area and had a very successful day at Tesco in Auchinleck. They checked car seats for suitability to the . . . → Read More: Car seat clinics keep youngsters safe]]> Child car seat clinics, organised by the Council’s Road Safety Team, helped raise awareness of the dangers of unsuitable child car seats recently and returned some startling results.

Road Safety Officers manned clinics throughout the area and had a very successful day at Tesco in Auchinleck. They checked car seats for suitability to the child and the car, for faults and if they were fitted correctly.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “In Auchinleck 60 car seats were checked and only 26 were right for the child or the car. The danger of serious injury is high if a car seat is not fitted properly or if parents, grandparents or carers chose the wrong type of seat for the height, weight and age of the child. If you have any concerns about your child’s car seat please don’t hesitate to contact the Road Safety Section on 01563 503160 and our road safety experts will be able to provide you with help and advice.

“Using car seats for your child is essential if you wish to protect them from serious injury or harm. Road Safety Officers were dismayed by the number of children in vehicles without any car seats at all – this is not only extremely dangerous but it is against the law. A quick trip to the supermarket could end up costing you dearly.”

The Council is supporting the Scottish Good Egg In-Car Child Safety campaign, which is running nationally, to benefit from its proven track record of success in significantly reducing casualty rates among child passengers across Scotland over the last 10 years.

The Opera House – which is a key development site within the town – will become state of the art offices for 200 council employees. This extensive project . . . → Read More: Work underway at Opera House]]> John Finnie Street is set to be completely transformed by Klin Homes now that work has started on phase two of their ambitious regeneration project.

The Opera House – which is a key development site within the town – will become state of the art offices for 200 council employees. This extensive project will naturally have an impact on pedestrians using John Finnie Street.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “Plans have been put in place to protect pedestrians using John Finnie Street as works at the Opera House continue. Six parking bays at the top of the street will be used by the company to create a covered walkway for pedestrians. Ten parking bays on Strand Street will also be utilised to ensure that the works to the rear of the property are segregated from pedestrians. There is no doubt that the works will have an impact on pedestrians and motorists but we are working really hard to keep this to a minimum.

“The Opera House is a key development site within the town and as new life is breathed into this building it will act as a catalyst for regeneration. We hope that the new office will encourage further retail development within John Finnie Street and wider regeneration within the town centre. For 22 years this site has lain derelict but now, thanks to the Council’s partnership with Klin Homes, work is underway on what will be an outstanding facility.”

Ends

The car park provides 74 free parking spaces, including accessible bays and parent and toddler spaces, for members of the community and visitors to Cumnock town centre. Dedicated motorcycle and bicycle parking facilities have . . . → Read More: Glaisnock car park now open]]> Town centre parking will be much easier now that the new public car park on Glaisnock Street is open.

The car park provides 74 free parking spaces, including accessible bays and parent and toddler spaces, for members of the community and visitors to Cumnock town centre. Dedicated motorcycle and bicycle parking facilities have also been provided to ensure that all road users are catered for.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “We have carefully planned this new car park so that all road users are catered for. This will encourage more visitors to the town centre and improve the footfall in our shops.

“We have taken account of the needs of disabled motorists and some of the accessible bays are located on the car park access road for added convenience. This is will greatly assist disabled motorists visiting the Town Hall, which of course has also recently benefited from high quality public space and environmental improvement works.”

The car park is accessed from Glaisnock Street and provides pedestrian links to the many shops, businesses and facilities in the area. Decorative street lighting columns with flood lighting provide a well lit and safe environment complimented by CCTV cameras which monitor the Town Hall Civic Space area and car park.

A one way circulatory system will be in operation which has been designed to enhance road safety, make efficient use of the available space and provide easy access to all of the parking spaces.

Ends

In tackling this vital road safety issue, the Council is supporting the Scottish Good Egg In-Car Child Safety campaign, which is running nationally, to benefit . . . → Read More: New drive to cut child passenger casualty rates in East Ayrshire]]> East Ayrshire Council is launching a new campaign to raise awareness among parents, grandparents and carers about the dangers to young children of incorrectly-fitted or inappropriate child car seats.

In tackling this vital road safety issue, the Council is supporting the Scottish Good Egg In-Car Child Safety campaign, which is running nationally, to benefit from its proven track record of success in significantly reducing casualty rates among child passengers across Scotland over the last 10 years.

Director of Road Safety Scotland, Michael McDonnell says: “We have seen the number of children killed or seriously injured in cars fall by 72% over the past ten years which marks a welcome contribution to the GB Government target of a 50% reduction. This is a tremendous success story which I believe could not have been achieved without the Good Egg campaign.

Superintendent Alan Duncan, Lead Officer for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) National Campaigns said: “Recent figures show a fall in child passenger casualties which is encouraging. However, we are still finding children who are either not wearing seatbelts or who are restrained by unsuitable or incorrectly-fitted car seats. We fully support the Good Egg Campaign which helps to educate drivers about their responsibilities in relation to in-car child safety and provides practical advice to ensure children are kept safe whilst on the move.”

According to campaign organisers, this year’s campaign will be the biggest yet with high-profile radio and online advertising backed up by extensive social media activity on Facebook and Twitter.

Campaign literature including posters, information leaflets and Good Egg guides will be widely distributed throughout the area in the coming weeks, backed up by a series of ‘car seat clinic’ events where local parents, grandparents and carers can have their child car seats checked for safety by experts and hear more about in-car child safety from the Good Egg team.

The dates and venues confirmed so far are:
Thursday 21 July ASDA car park, Kilmarnock 10.30am – 3pm

Friday 22 July Sainsbury car park, Stewarton 10.30am – 3pm

Thursday 28 July TESCO car park, Auchinleck 10.30am – 3pm

Councillor Jim Todd, East Ayrshire Council Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety says: “Although well-intentioned parents may install a child car seat to keep their child safe, the danger of serious injury is just as great if the seat is not fitted properly or if they have chosen the wrong type of seat for the height, weight and age of the child.

“We are delighted, therefore, that Good Egg car seat clinics are being organised throughout the area as part of this campaign, and strongly advise all parents to take advantage of this free opportunity to let the experts make sure children of all ages are being carried safely using the correct restraint. It will give them peace of mind and it could save their child’s life.”

More local clinic locations could be added soon, so parents are advised to keep checking for updated information and get more details about the Good Egg Campaign at www.protectchild.uk.
ENDS

Education, Engineering and Enforcement has been the key to reducing the number of casualties on our roads. In 2000 the Scottish Government announced target reductions to be achieved by 2010. There was to be . . . → Read More: East Ayrshire is Streets Ahead]]> The three Es approach to road safety means that East Ayrshire is streets ahead of the Scottish Government’s national targets.

Education, Engineering and Enforcement has been the key to reducing the number of casualties on our roads. In 2000 the Scottish Government announced target reductions to be achieved by 2010. There was to be a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents and a 50% reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “The Council’s three Es approach to road safety means that we have been incredibly successful in lowering the incidences of road casualties. Fatal and serious casualties are down by 55% and fatal and serious child casualties are down by 75% which is a great achievement.

“We will not be resting on our laurels though – work still needs to be done to make our roads even safer and to this end we will be investing £450,000 in road safety measures over the next financial year and continuing with our road safety education programmes in schools and communities.”

The road safety measures will include introducing 20mph speed limits in residential areas; the introduction of road markings, verge marker posts, warning signs and chevron signs on rural roads and the development of the Stewarton Cycle Route which will provide a safe route for youngsters cycling to school.

Ends

A leaflet and questionnaire has now been delivered to residents in key areas explaining how a Resident Permit Parking scheme might work. The . . . → Read More: Consultation starts for Resident Permit Parking]]> In recent years some residents of the streets surrounding Kilmarnock town centre have complained about the difficulty they have in parking close to their homes and have requested Resident Permit Parking.

A leaflet and questionnaire has now been delivered to residents in key areas explaining how a Resident Permit Parking scheme might work. The questionnaire will establish the current parking habits of residents and gauge how many people would like a scheme to be introduced.

If there is sufficient support from residents, the Council will hold a more detailed consultation in the future. A charge of £25 per permit has been proposed to cover the costs of administering the scheme and maintaining the parking bays and signs that it will need to make it work.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “This scheme presents a great opportunity to improve the lives of residents of Kilmarnock who live close to the town centre and are faced on a daily basis with the problem of not being able to park outside their own homes.”

Residents are asked to return their questionnaires by Friday 29 July. A webpage has been set up on the Council’s website www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/residentparking where anyone can comment on the proposals and where, after 29 July, the results will be posted.

Ends

The sponsored event, which took place at schools throughout the UK, was organised by Brake – a charity that supports victims and their families . . . → Read More: Giant walking bus spotted in New Cumnock]]> A giant Waking Bus weaved its way around New Cumnock recently as 185 pupils from New Cumnock Primary attempted to help break a world record for the longest walking bus.

The sponsored event, which took place at schools throughout the UK, was organised by Brake – a charity that supports victims and their families who have been affected by road traffic accidents. Junior Road Safety Officers and the Primary 6 class arranged the walking bus and made banners which encouraged drivers to slow down near the school. The whole school took part in the walk and was supported by teachers, parents, Community Police Officers, the school Lollypop lady and Road Safety Officers

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “This was a fantastic event made even better by the fact it was organised by young people from the school. Watches were synchronized throughout the country and thousands of youngsters set off at 10am in an attempt to break the world record. Everyone from the school is very eager to hear if the record has been broken.”

Pupils from New Cumnock Primary also raised a whopping £811.85 for the charity thanks to the generosity of families and friends.

The new 67 space car park, which will be constructed by Luddon Construction Ltd., has been developed by East Ayrshire Council in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Network Rail. The works will include the construction of a . . . → Read More: STEWARTON SET TO PARK AND RIDE!]]> Work has started on the new park and ride car park off Standalane in Stewarton.

The new 67 space car park, which will be constructed by Luddon Construction Ltd., has been developed by East Ayrshire Council in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Network Rail. The works will include the construction of a new two-way access road from Standalane; a pedestrian walkway access ramp and stairs from the car park to both platforms at Stewarton Railway Station and improvements to the junction with Standalane and Kilwinning Road. The car park will include spaces for disabled drivers plus parent and child parking and will incorporate a new street lighting system and full CCTV coverage.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, who was joined local members for Annick – Councillor Rose-Ann Cuninghame and John MacKay said: “The proposed car park, which is due for completion in late summer, will relieve on-street parking by providing additional, convenient off-street parking for rail commuters and will accommodate the anticipated growth in parking demand arising from the new half hourly service on the Glasgow-Kilmarnock rail line.”

SPT Chair Jonathan Findlay added: “I am delighted to see work starting on this much needed park and ride facility in Stewarton. It will be a welcome facility for the many people who use the rail link, reduce the congestion in the area around the station for local residents and of course encourage more use of public transport.”

Ends

The Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 places a duty on local authorities to protect on street and off street parking for disabled drivers. Indiscriminate . . . → Read More: PARKING SPACES PROTECTED FOR THE DISABLED]]> Action can now be taken against those who park in disabled bays thanks to a new Traffic Regulation Order which makes advisory disabled parking places legally enforceable.

The Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 places a duty on local authorities to protect on street and off street parking for disabled drivers. Indiscriminate parking can prevent disabled drivers from accessing shops, health centres and even their own homes. A detailed survey and consultation has been carried out throughout the area and 238 disabled parking bays are now protected from misuse.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “All existing bay markings have been retained and protected following the survey. However new applicants will need to conform to regulations set out under the Act and will be assessed by Council officers. Applicants will need to have a suitable vehicle which is registered to the address on the application.

“This is great news for disabled drivers. By protecting their right to park in suitable spaces we are enabling vulnerable members of our community to get out and about something that we all take for granted!”

Ends

The Real Time Passenger Information system, which is a joint initiative between Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council and Stagecoach. The new system has been rolled out to the busiest bus stops on . . . → Read More: REAL TIME BUS INFORMATION HAS ARRIVED]]> A modern real-time bus information system has been introduced at bus stops throughout Ayrshire.

The Real Time Passenger Information system, which is a joint initiative between Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council and Stagecoach. The new system has been rolled out to the busiest bus stops on Service 1 between Stewarton and Priestland and Service 11 between Ardrossan and Kilmarnock. Work is also progressing to extend the system to Service 2 between Kilmarnock and Galston and Service 4 between Ayr and Glasgow via Kilmarnock.

The buses on these services have been fitted with tracking devices which will allow the actual arrival time of the next bus to be displayed on a screen at the bus stop. The screen will also show timetabled arrival times for other bus services that are not fitted with a tracking device.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “This state of the art system will provide real time information to bus users, which will make taking the bus much more user friendly. There will also be special fobs available which will allow people with visual impairments to activate a speaking service with timetable information, as they approach the bus stop. This new system will help more people leave their car at home and promote the use of more sustainable forms of transport.”

SPT vice chairman Denis McKenna said: “I’m delighted that SPT was able to provide grant funding in the region of £1million for this project, which I’m sure will make a huge difference to passengers. Waiting times will be reduced, any service disruptions will be much clearer and we hope it will help encourage people to choose public transport as their preferred mode of travel.”

Councillor Tom Barr, North Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for the Environment, said: “I am thrilled that passengers travelling to and from North Ayrshire can benefit from this innovative new system.

“Up-to-the-minute timetable information takes the guess work out of bus travel while details of potential delays and disruption will make for a stress-free commute.

“We are pleased to be working with our colleagues at SPT and both East and South Ayrshire Councils and look forward to rolling this out to other bus stops in the near future.”

In addition to the bus stop screens – www.ayrshirerealtime.com will allow public access to the real time system so passengers can find out when a bus is due at a particular stop. This site displays information for all bus stops and not only the stops where screens have been installed.

Future developments of the real time bus information system are likely to allow bus passengers to be able to text a number and receive timetable information directly on their mobile phones. This will reduce the time that passengers need to wait at bus stops and reduce overall journey times.

From 11am to 7.30pm Council officers will be on hand to talk through plans for the new bridge, which will incorporate a footway either side . . . → Read More: DEAN FORD BRIDGE – PUBLIC EXHIBITION]]> Members of the local community will be flooding to the Dean Park Visitors Centre on Thursday 7 April to view plans for the new bridge planned for Dean Ford.

From 11am to 7.30pm Council officers will be on hand to talk through plans for the new bridge, which will incorporate a footway either side of the road for pedestrians and a fish pass to allow for migration.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “The detailed design work for this project is now complete and we are ready to take our plans to the community. The Dean Ford floods on a regular basis and motorists are often caught out trying to cross the ford when the water is high. On countless occasions Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have to attend to rescue these motorists and this can put other vulnerable groups at risk. Those who abide by the rules are diverted around Kilmarnock town centre when the ford is closed so action had to be taken.

“As a Council we are investing over £1m in this project – this is a real commitment to road safety in our area.”

Ends

Fifth and sixth year pupils from East, North and South Ayrshire attended the annual ‘Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives’ event, which is organised by South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership – . . . → Read More: RECKLESS DRIVING WRECKS LIVES]]> A day out at Ayr’s Odeon Cinema brought home the message that ‘Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives’ for thousands of Ayrshire school pupils this week.

Fifth and sixth year pupils from East, North and South Ayrshire attended the annual ‘Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives’ event, which is organised by South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership – comprising representatives from a variety of agencies including South Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, and the Scottish Ambulance Service – and supported by East and North Ayrshire Councils.
The event was established to make those who may be learning to drive or who have just started driving think about the impact of their driving behaviours and, since it began in 2005, around 10,000 young people have taken part.

Combining film with personal presentations, Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives reflects on the deep and long lasting effects accidents have on victims, families, relatives and friends with staff from NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Scottish Ambulance Service, Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service telling young people about their real life experiences of attending road crashes and dealing with casualties, fatalities and family members.

Topics covered include living with the physical and emotional trauma of the consequences of a crash as well as the impact of a young person being killed in a road accident.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “The statistics show that young drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to older drivers with more experience and that young male drivers are more likely to be involved in serious crashes compared to young women. That is why events like this are so important. Education has an essential role to play in lowering the number of young people killed or serious injured on our roads.

“Our figures show that within East Ayrshire the number of accidents has fallen dramatically in the past ten years with only three young people seriously injured during 2010. This is evidence that by utilising the three E’s – Education, Engineering and Enforcement – we are effectively tackling the number of young people injured or killed in road traffic accidents and local families don’t have to deal with the aftermath of horrific accidents.”

Ends

This £200,000 project, which is . . . → Read More: A70 COALHALL AND B730 ROADWORKS]]> East Ayrshire Council as part of its programme to improve the condition of the road network will be carrying out essential road resurfacing works on the A70 at Coalhall and the B730 from Coalhall to Drongan. Work will start on Monday 4 April 2011 for approximately 2 weeks.

This £200,000 project, which is weather dependent, will involve planing off areas of the existing road surface, deep patching, regulating and resurfacing a 320m length of road at A70 Coalhall and a 1260m length from Coalhall to Drongan.

To ensure the safety of roads operatives and the travelling public a convoy system and temporary traffic lights will be in operation during this period and some delays will be inevitable. However to minimise the inconvenience the works have been planned to coincide with the school holidays.

The following traffic management system will be put in place during the works:

• Proposed Traffic Management for A70 Coalhall – A70, including the junctions at B730 and Evergreen will be controlled by temporary traffic signals. The A70 road will remain open at all times
• Proposed Traffic Management for B730 to Drongan – For preparatory works, a convoy system will be in operation throughout the week Monday to Friday when signed accordingly. This system involves traffic being brought to a halt in advance of the works and is then led slowly, 10mph or less, in single file passed the works by an appropriately signed works vehicle.
• Proposed Traffic Management for B730 to Drongan Phase two – The final surface course will be laid over the weekends 9,10,16 and 17 April and a road closure will be implemented during this period. Diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the diversion route when signed accordingly: Westbound traffic will be diverted from Drongan via the B730 to Polnessan, turning right onto the A713, turning right onto B742 to Coylton, turning right onto the A70 to Coalhall and vice versa. Eastbound traffic will be diverted from Drongan via the B7046 through Sinclairston, turning left onto U728 to Mote Toll, turning left onto A70 to Coalhall and vice versa.

Please allow sufficient time when planning your journey as some delays will be inevitable. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Advisory signs will be erected in advance of the works to alert the travelling public and the work will be carried out by Barr Ltd.

East Ayrshire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during these essential road works.

Ends

The pack was developed by leading Scottish educational . . . → Read More: SPEEDING TED COMES TO TOWN]]> An unusual visitor roared into town this week to meet children from Newmilns Primary. The new fictional character, Speeding Ted, a teddy bear that is designed to make youngsters think about the dangers of speeding, is part of the latest road safety pack for primary schools.

The pack was developed by leading Scottish educational consultant, Lynda Keith, on behalf of the Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership in association with the West of Scotland Road Safety Forum. Copies are being distributed to all primaries in East Ayrshire by the Council’s road safety officers.

Gladys Cadden, manager of the Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership, explained: “The youngest children will engage with Speeding Ted, a little bear character which rides too fast on his motorbike. The children are asked to think about the effect Speeding Ted has on other people and to tell him how he should really behave. For older children, the pack links in the topic of speed with all aspects of the school curriculum including language, working with numbers and practical activities.”

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “Speed plays an important part in many serious and fatal road crashes and all too often we see young drivers and their passengers in particular being involved in tragic incidents. Attitudes to driving are actually formed at a young age and primary children can easily understand that speeding is dangerous, anti-social and against the law. We hope the information and activities in this pack will be helpful in reinforcing these positive attitudes for when the children grow older and become drivers themselves.”

Ends

The road network within East Ayrshire has been fully assessed by engineers and ranked for maintenance according to a number of factors including safety inspections; the . . . → Read More: PROGRAMME AGREED FOR ROADS AND PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS]]> Work on repairing the roads network and maintaining our carriageways, footways and street lighting will press ahead after agreement was reached on the capital programme for 2011/12.

The road network within East Ayrshire has been fully assessed by engineers and ranked for maintenance according to a number of factors including safety inspections; the importance of the route; the level of usage and customer fault levels. This ranking system, along with the traditional route of consultation, has informed the programme of work for the coming financial year.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “The Council has a statutory duty to maintain our roads to an appropriate standard and our roads network reflects the national picture – it has been completely ravaged by back to back severe winters. We have committed an extra £1m to repair our roads and footways in 2011/12 and roads budgets have been reallocated to allow a further additional £1m to be focused on road maintenance over the coming years. During the next financial year £4.4m will be spent on our road and footway resurfacing and street lighting.”

The Council is also looking at more efficient ways of repairing frost damaged surfaces. A very successful trial of the Colas Repave Process on the A71 last year showed that it was possible to effectively recycle the road surface. There are real financial and environmental benefits to using this system and it also speeds up the repair process. It is anticipated that this and other innovative processes will be used where appropriate for road maintenance schemes in East Ayrshire.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration added: “We are looking at all avenues open to us to improve the road network. From significant additional funding, realigning budgets to focus on fixing our roads and looking at new ways of delivering this extremely important service – I can assure our communities that we are addressing their concerns.”

Ends

The new speed limits will be introduced to make the area safer for pedestrians. Evidence shows that most pedestrian accidents happen on roads in 30mph areas, and that within East Ayrshire excessive speed accounts for more than . . . → Read More: 20’S PLENTY FOR ONTHANK!]]> 20 is going to be plenty in Onthank with the launch of mandatory 20mphs speed limits.

The new speed limits will be introduced to make the area safer for pedestrians. Evidence shows that most pedestrian accidents happen on roads in 30mph areas, and that within East Ayrshire excessive speed accounts for more than 4 out of every ten road casualties.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “The facts speak for themselves – hit a child at 40mph and 9 out of 10 will die – hit a children at 20mph and 9 out of 10 will live. I would therefore urge Onthank residents to get behind this scheme and cut their speed”.

“As well as the new speed, limit we will also be installing road humps later this month. This will encourage speeding drivers to cut their speed and this can only be to the benefit of all!”

The following roads in Onthank are now subject to a mandatory 20mph speed limit:

Amlaird Road
Arness Terrace
Bankend Place
Brackenhill Avenue
Bringan Road
Burnfoot Place
Craufurdland Road
Creigton Court
Crofthead Avenue Glassock Road
Glencraigs Drive
Hareshaw Drive
Kingswell Avenue
Kirkton Road
Kirkwall Place
Meiklewood Road
Millhill Terrace
Mosside Place
Newlands Place
Onthank Drive
Orkney Drive
Raithburn Avenue
Redding Avenue
Thorn Terrace
Titwood Drive
Todhill Avenue
Tourhill Road

Ends

The youngsters and Kerbcraft volunteers – Senga Corrigan, Nicola Campbell and Sherreen Stevenson – were . . . → Read More: KEEPING SAFE WITH KERBCRAFT]]> Crossing the road is kids play for children from Shortlees Primary thanks to the very successful Kerbcraft programme.

The youngsters and Kerbcraft volunteers – Senga Corrigan, Nicola Campbell and Sherreen Stevenson – were presented with certificates by Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety marking the completion of their road safety training.

Councillor Todd said: “The Kerbcraft programme takes a very practical and real life approach to road safety. Research shows that young children find it very difficult to gauge the speed and distance of traffic. Kerbcraft provides practical training in three important skills –finding safe places to cross, crossing at parked cars and crossing at junctions – highlighting the dangers to children. The children thoroughly enjoyed their training and our road safety officers have assessed that there has been a significant improvement in their awareness of road safety.

“Road Safety has direct links to the Curriculum for Excellence and Kerbcraft complements and reinforces the road safety message taught within our schools. I am delighted to say that over 2,000 children from nineteen schools have taken part in the training and this has been thanks in no small part to the excellent volunteers who have given their time and enthusiasm to Kerbcraft. I was delighted to meet and thank Senga, Nicola and Sherreen for all their commitment to this very worthwhile project.”

The Road Safety Team provides educational training and resources to all age groups within East Ayrshire. Initiatives include Kerbcraft, the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme and the Junior Road Safety Officers.

This funding is in addition to £0.750m that has already been assigned to the Roads and Transportation Service from our . . . → Read More: ROADS NETWORK TO RECEIVE £1M BOOST]]> Today at Full Council Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council has announced a funding boost of £1m for our roads network to tackle the damage caused by the recent severe winter.

This funding is in addition to £0.750m that has already been assigned to the Roads and Transportation Service from our own resources and another £0.322m from the Scottish Government.

Councillor Reid said: “Our Roads and Transportation Service did an excellent job during the severe weather keeping our communities on the move. Work has now started rectifying the damage caused to our roads network by the severe weather and this funding will let that go ahead quickly.

“This funding is a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring our roads and pavements are safe for our communities and, of course, our visitors. A sound road infrastructure is essential to our area and its sound maintenance is very high up on our list of priorities.”

Ends

Currently our area’s traffic wardens are employed by Strathclyde Police and . . . → Read More: DECRIMINALISATION OF PARKING ACCEPTED BY COUNCIL]]> Parking enforcement might not be everyone’s favourite topic but it has an essential part to play in keeping our roads safe, ensuring that shoppers have access to short stay parking and that disabled drivers are able to access services as easily as possible.

Currently our area’s traffic wardens are employed by Strathclyde Police and are responsible for on-street parking enforcement. The Police have indicated that from April 2012 the Traffic Warden Service will no longer be provided to local authorities. Plans are now underway to introduce a scheme for Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) within East Ayrshire with the Council firmly at the helm.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “A very detailed study has been prepared regarding the feasibility of bring DPE in-house. At the moment three traffic wardens enforce more than 57km of on-street waiting restrictions. By bringing this service under the control of the Council we will be able to focus our resources to areas most in need, for example at our schools, disabled parking bays and generally improve road safety.

“John Bryson, Head of Roads and Transportation will now prepare a detailed programme to introduce DPE locally by May 2012 and will continue to meet with neighbouring authorities regarding the possibility of working jointly on this project. The Council also has the support of SPT and they have provided funding for a comprehensive review of all existing traffic orders which will greatly assist the final implementation of this project.”

Ends

These community bins are larger than normal grit bins and will be refilled at . . . → Read More: COMMUNITY GRIT BINS – LOCATIONS]]> In addition to the 400 grit bins already in use throughout East Ayrshire, in partnership with local Community Councils and Tenants and Residents Associations 35 community grit bins have been introduced in central locations in towns and villages throughout the area. 

These community bins are larger than normal grit bins and will be refilled at least once a month as required and as resources permit. During severe weather, every effort will be made to refill the grit bins as often as possible.

Community grit locations (view map):

• Auchinleck, Well Road at Community Centre
• Catrine, At Mill Square
• Cumnock, Craigens Road at New Road to Centre
• Cumnock, Tanyard Surgery Car Park
• Cumnock, Barshare Road at Shops
• Crookedholm, Outside Council Transport Garage
• Crosshouse, Gatehead Road Car Park
• Dalmellington, Dalmellington Square
• Dalmellington, Bellsbank Shops
• Dalrymple, Barbieston Road at Community Centre
• Darvel, West Main Street at Town Hall
• Drongan, Mill o Shields Road at Library
• Dunlop, Main Street at School
• Fenwick, Fulton Hall Main Road
• Galston, Chapel Lane at recycle bins
• Hurlford, Cessnock Road at Community Centre
• Onthank/Southcraigs, Amlaird Road at Shops
• Shortlees/Bellfield, Blacksyke Avenue at Community Centre
• New Farm Loch, Grassyards Road at Community Centre
• Bonnyton/Grange, Loanfoot Ave at wide area
• Kilmaurs, East Park Drive at Community Centre
• Knockentiber, Outside Games Hall
• Logan, Logan Ave at Shops
• Mauchline, Kilmarnock Road at Community Centre
• Mauchline, Welton Road at junction Loanhill Avenue
• Muirkirk, Pagan Walk at Games Hall
• Muirkirk, Smallburn Road at side Co-op
• New Cumnock, Pathhead at junction A76
• New Cumnock, Mounthope Terrace at top of Path
• Newmilns, Main Street at Morton Hall
• Ochiltree, Main Street at Community Centre
• Patna, Doonside Avenue at Community Centre
• Sorn, Main Road across from Bowling Green
• Stewarton, Avenue Street at Institute Hall
• Stewarton, Standalane at Annick Community Centre

There is no question that throughout Scotland the roads network has been ravaged by the recent severe weather. The constant low temperatures, water penetration and . . . → Read More: POTHOLE REPAIRS UNDERWAY]]> The recent report by the AA which places the KA postcode area as joint top in Great Britain for the worst potholes has left East Ayrshire Council baffled.

There is no question that throughout Scotland the roads network has been ravaged by the recent severe weather. The constant low temperatures, water penetration and severe frost have caused damage to carriageways and footways. However thanks to a £2m investment by East Ayrshire Council our employees and operatives within the Roads Maintenance Unit are already working hard repairing the road network, filling in potholes, repairing footways, drains and bridge parapets and walls which have all been damaged by the severe weather.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The recent AA report is based on a return by only 1900 AA members from throughout the country and is frankly a very subjective report. All areas in Scotland have suffered badly due to the severe weather and driving around the country shows that our roads are certainly no worse than anywhere else and in fact because of our investment in our roads, there has been less damaged sustained here in East Ayrshire.

“The £2m we dedicated to repair roads damaged by last year’s severe weather has allowed emergency repair works to get underway very quickly to roads and footways. Currently five squads are carrying out pothole repair works with work taking place over weekends to allow repairs to be actioned quickly. It is estimated that an additional £350,000 will be spent on pothole repairs this financial year due to the severe weather however we are anticipating that East Ayrshire will receive some £300,000 from the Scottish Government’s national funding award of £15m which was announced recently. We have identified other roads that require significant patching or resurfacing following the recent winter weather and have already started a programme of works to have them repaired.”

If you see roads and lighting faults please report them to East Ayrshire Council on the dedicated Helpline on 0845 724000 or alternatively report the faults at www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Ends

The Real Time Passenger Information system is a joint initiative between Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council and Stagecoach. The new system will initially be rolled out to the busiest . . . → Read More: REAL TIME BUS INFORMATION COMING SOON]]> A modern real-time bus information system will be introduced at many bus stops throughout Ayrshire very soon.

The Real Time Passenger Information system is a joint initiative between Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council and Stagecoach. The new system will initially be rolled out to the busiest bus stops on Service 1 between Stewarton and Priestland and Service 11 between Ardrossan and Kilmarnock. Work is also progressing to extend the system to Service 2 between Kilmarnock and Galston and Service 4 between Ayr and Glasgow via Kilmarnock.

The buses on these services will be fitted with tracking devices which will allow the actual arrival time of the next bus to be displayed on a screen at the bus stop. The screen will also show timetabled arrival times for other bus services that are not fitted with a tracking device.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “This state of the art system will provide real time information to bus users, which will make taking the bus much more user friendly. There will also be special fobs available which will allow people with visual impairments to activate a speaking service with timetable information, as they approach the bus stop. I am also pleased to announce that environmentally friendly solar powered displays have been developed and we will be trialling this technology at select stops on the routes – this is a first in Britain. The installation process is well underway and when the system is up and running it will help more people leave their car at home and promote the use of more sustainable forms of transport.”

Future developments of the real time bus information system are likely to allow bus passengers to be able to text a number and receive timetable information directly on their mobile phones. This will reduce the time that passengers need to wait at bus stops and reduce overall journey times.

Notes to Editor

• Service 1 – Stewarton, Kilmarnock, Darvel
Service 11 – Ardrossan, Kilwinning, Irvine, Kilmarnock

• The fobs for residents with visual impairments will initially be distributed through the local Access Panel.

Ends

Plans for the 67 space car park, to be constructed by Luddon Construction, have been developed in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Network Rail and include a new access road, pedestrian ramps and steps to the . . . → Read More: STEWARTON SET TO PARK AND RIDE!]]> The New Year will see work commencing on Stewarton’s new park and ride car park.

Plans for the 67 space car park, to be constructed by Luddon Construction, have been developed in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Network Rail and include a new access road, pedestrian ramps and steps to the platforms.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “The new car park will encourage commuters to leave their cars in the town and use a more sustainable form of transport. The half hourly rail service to Glasgow has increased rail travel locally and I am sure that by increasing the secure car parking available even more commuters will elect to use the train. It is hoped that the car park will be open early next summer.”

Ends

The design process will be completed in February and it is anticipated that, after an approved bidder is appointed, construction will start in May. The new bridge, which will include carriageway and a footway, will greatly improve road safety . . . → Read More: DEAN FORD UPGRADE]]> Detailed design work is well underway for the new bridge at the Dean Ford.

The design process will be completed in February and it is anticipated that, after an approved bidder is appointed, construction will start in May. The new bridge, which will include carriageway and a footway, will greatly improve road safety at the ford.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “I am really pleased that the design process is now underway for the new bridge at Dean Ford. We will be consulting with the Community Council in due course and members of the local community regarding the design of the bridge and the planned works which will take place over a six month period next year.

“As a Council we are investing over £1m in this project – this is a real commitment to road safety in our area.”

Ends

This year the Council has introduced a pavement gritting service in Kilmarnock and thanks to the quick thinking of one quad bike driver on his early morning route, a pedestrian’s life was saved. Neil Griffiths found . . . → Read More: LOCAL HEROES]]> The country is again gripped by severe weather with ice and snow affecting communities throughout the country.

This year the Council has introduced a pavement gritting service in Kilmarnock and thanks to the quick thinking of one quad bike driver on his early morning route, a pedestrian’s life was saved. Neil Griffiths found a young man who had fallen in the snow, he was obviously injured and in a poor state of health. Neil immediately phoned the Police and an ambulance and attempted to keep the man warm and conscious until the emergency services attended. Upon arriving at hospital the man became unconscious with hypothermia and doctors believed he had been lying in sub-zero temperatures for almost 6hours. Thankfully the man pulled through but if it hadn’t been for Neil he would have surely died.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety, who thanked Neil for his quick thinking, said: “We all have a role to play in helping our communities continue to function during this spell of severe weather. Our gritting crews have been working round the clock attempting to keep our communities on the move. Sometimes however it is the small things that we can all do that make a difference. I have heard this week that one of our gritter drivers come across a lady walking on a rural section of the A735 in the snow and took her safely to Stewarton. I would urge our communities to act in a similar way.

“Please watch out for your neighbours at this time. Check on elderly neighbours, offer to collect some shopping for them or clear the snow and ice from the pavements in front of their house. We all have a part to play – let’s show how resilient our communities can be.”

Ends

Our Roads Section is working round the clock gritting our priority one roads and pavements, keeping our communities on the move, and treating the priority 2 and 3 roads when resources permit. However . . . → Read More: COMMUNITIES URGED TO BE RESILIENT]]> The severe weather has made an early return this winter with sub zero temperatures and snow affecting the whole country.

Our Roads Section is working round the clock gritting our priority one roads and pavements, keeping our communities on the move, and treating the priority 2 and 3 roads when resources permit. However it is impossible for them to keep every road and pavement clear and communities need to show resilience.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “Over the last week the Council has received many requests for additional salt to be made available to communities and on occasion the Council has been asked to sell salt to residents. The Council purchases salt in bulk quantities to grit our public roads and pavements, it is essential that grit is used in accordance with our Winter Service Plan and roads and pavements are treated on a priority basis.

“It is therefore the responsibility of individuals or commercial ventures to source their own supplies for personal use. Small quantities of salt can be purchased from DIY stores, garden centres and petrol stations whereas larger quantities can be purchased from suppliers such as JC Peacock & Company Limited, Ayr.”

The Council has placed over 400 grit bins at known trouble spots around East Ayrshire and these are intended to aid road users. In addition 35 larger Community Grit bins are currently being installed at various locations in towns and villages throughout East Ayrshire. Salt can no longer be collected from our depots.

Further information about salt and gritting can be found on the following web-sites:

www.direct.gov.uk
www.transportscotland.gov.uk
www.readyscotland.org

Ends

Every pre-school child will receive a specially created book as part of the new story-based initiative which . . . → Read More: NEW NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY APPROACH FOR BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN LAUNCHES IN EAST AYRSHIRE]]> Flowerbank Nursery helped to launch the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland’s pioneering new road safety approach – ‘Go Safe! – Ziggy’s Road Safety Mission’ – which is aimed at all children from birth to age six.

Every pre-school child will receive a specially created book as part of the new story-based initiative which aims to not only to improve early years road safety education, but also give young children the best possible start to their lifelong learning about keeping safe in and around the road environment.

The road environment still represents the single biggest cause of death and injury to young people in Scotland, with 1,474 child casualties on Scotland’s roads in 2009. The new approach aims to reduce child casualties through inspiring the involvement of parents, carers and educators to provide good examples every time they are on or near roads with young children.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “In the past five years no children have been killed on our roads and there has been a significant decline in the number of children seriously injured. In 2008, 7 children were seriously injured whereas in 2009 this figure fell to zero! A very important part of lowering casualty rates is education – by involving school, parents and our young people we are positively enforcing the road safety message and the result is that children’s lives are being saved. I wholly support this campaign and welcome this fantastic new approach to improving road safety.”

The new approach will see a total of 106,000 books for home use, one for every pre-school child across Scotland. A new website has also been launched for children, parents and educators – www.gosafewithziggy.com – and free teaching packs, including the Ziggy series of stories and an interactive CD, are being sent out to all primary schools and pre-school education settings in Scotland from October 2010.

Featuring the colourful ‘Ziggy’ character, a little alien who visits Scotland to learn about road safety, the materials have been developed in line with the Scottish Government’s policy on early intervention and Curriculum for Excellence for each key stage of the early years: 0-3, pre-school and the transition into Primary 1.

Written by Glaswegian author Lynda Kennedy and illustrated by Lanarkshire primary teacher and illustrator Lynn Taylor, the stories feature a distinctive visual style with illustrated characters appearing on photographed backgrounds; making use of ‘child’s eye level’ photography to create a strong connection between the stories and the real life experiences of young children.

Road Safety Early Years Development Officer and illustrator of the new books, Lynn Taylor, said: “The approach is based on research that indicates the most effective form of early years education should centre on developing positive attitudes and behaviours.

“We know that young children are engaged by well-written stories, rhymes, games and activities, so we wanted to create a multi-sensory approach to road safety education.

“Too many children are still being injured or killed on Scotland’s roads each year. I hope that this will make a real difference in improving child safety on our roads.”

Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving safety on Scotland’s roads and published Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 in June 2009.

“The Framework identified children as a national priority and we are ensuring that road safety education plays a vital role in safeguarding children and young people on our roads.

“Whilst we have recently recorded a reduction in the number of road fatalities, we must continue to be vigilant – no matter how low the figure is, one road death is one too many.

“’Go Safe! – Ziggy’s Road Safety Mission’ is an innovative new partnership approach for early years road safety education and will lay the foundations for providing the best possible start in children’s lifelong learning, supporting our aim to reduce the number of people killed or injured on Scotland’s roads.”

Commenting in support of the launch of the new approach to teaching early years road safety, Dr Suzanne Zeedyk of Dundee University’s School of Psychology said: “Children’s brains are massively influenced by the interactions they have with other people. We adults are responsible for whether children have brains that tend to anxious or relaxed, stressed or calm, self-focused or empathic. And 90% of brain mass is in place by the age of three, long before they reach school – which is where we wrongly tend to think of the bulk of their learning occurring.”

Notes to Editors

• 1The Scottish Government’s Road Safety Framework outlines a commitment to reducing the number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents and to ensuring that all children are safer on Scotland’s roads.
• For 0-3s, a clip-on buggy book titled ’Out and About’ has been created, focusing on the roadside sights and sounds babies and toddlers experience when they are out and about. All babies born in Scotland will receive the buggy book in 2011 in their Bookbug Baby Bag from the Scottish Book Trust.
• Teachers, educators, early years practitioners, road safety experts and psychologists parents and children across Scotland were consulted as part of the development of the resource.
• A new website www.gosafewithziggy.com and a DVD have been created which feature clips of children learning about real life road safety.
• The books are available in Gaelic as well as English.

Ends

Instead of the normal footway tractors and mini trailer salt . . . → Read More: PRIORITY FOOTWAYS TO BE GRITTED THIS WINTER]]> As temperatures drop this winter East Ayrshire will see precautionary gritting of priority one pavements throughout the area and in an exciting new venture with Peacocks Salt Ltd a pilot of footway gritting within Kilmarnock will take place using a new cleaner liquid solution.

Instead of the normal footway tractors and mini trailer salt spreaders, which will be used by our in house team throughout the rest of the area, Peacock Salts will be trialling a liquid de-icing salt solution which will be spread from quad style machines.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “Last winter we all faced a really tough few months when temperatures dropped well below freezing and the country experienced heavy snow fall. In response to concerns from our communities we are introducing precautionary gritting of priority one pavements throughout East Ayrshire.

“Our in house team had the capacity to grit half the length of footway set out in the revised Winter Service Plan so we had to seek alternative methods of gritting the remaining footways. The 71kms of priority footways in Kilmarnock will therefore be pre-treated by Peacock Salt Ltd with a liquid de-icing salt solution which will be sprayed on pavements between the hours of 5am and 8am when temperatures fall. This is a pilot at the moment but if it is successful we will look to extending this project throughout the area.”

For helpful information on clearing snow and your responsibility to your community – check out http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&ssDocName=DG_191868

Ends

The aim of the JRSO scheme is to empower pupils to highlight road safety issues within their school community. It encourages road safety peer education and promotes partnership working between . . . → Read More: JRSO – ALL TOGETHER FOR ROAD SAFETY]]> Newly appointed Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSO), from throughout East Ayrshire attended a seminar recently to learn more about the importance of their role.

The aim of the JRSO scheme is to empower pupils to highlight road safety issues within their school community. It encourages road safety peer education and promotes partnership working between pupils, parents, teachers, Road Safety Officers and other professionals, such as Travel Plan Co-ordinators.

The seminar, which was educational but also lots of fun, included a performance by East Ayrshire Youth Theatre about road safety. The performance was followed by four workshops led by the Council’s Road Safety Team which were designed to help the JRSO’s carry out their duties. The youngsters threw themselves enthusiastically into the workshops which involved drama, art, IT and competitions.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “The seminar was a great success and the young people were really enthusiastic about their new roles. The JRSO approach enables young people to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. It provides children with a unique opportunity to get actively involved in promoting road safety education throughout the school community and, in doing so, assisting with their own learning across the curriculum.”

Notes to Editor

The main duties of the JRSOs are:
• Talking at assemblies and classes on road safety topics
• Preparing and maintaining a JRSO noticeboard providing information on a variety of road safety related activities that are important to the school
• Run competitions in the school and decide on prizes for the winners
• Use www.jrso.com and www.streetsense2.com to source information and showcase their school’s activities

Ends

For two consecutive winters the whole country was gripped by prolonged spells of extremely cold weather and last winter was the worst . . . → Read More: NEW WINTER SERVICE PLAN IS GO!]]> A new Winter Service Plan has been given the green light at the recent meeting of East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet and preparations for the colder weather will now begin in earnest.

For two consecutive winters the whole country was gripped by prolonged spells of extremely cold weather and last winter was the worst experienced since 1964. The Council’s Governance and Scrutiny Committee carried out a full review of last year’s winter response. The findings were extremely favourable, but members seized the opportunity to further improve the existing winter service provision in readiness for the winter ahead.

A review of carriageway gritting routes has resulted in new priority routes being introduced. The priority routes are based on guidance from the Code of Practise for Highway Maintenance Management, they take into account carriageway hierarchy – for example A roads will be treated before C roads – and also include local priorities including access to schools, emergency facilities, public services and key industrial and business centres.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “By reviewing and updating our gritting routes we will be able to target our resources more effectively. The new routes will be tested today, Friday 1 October, when our gritting crews carry out a dry run – so don’t be concerned if you see our gritters out on the roads! We have also reviewed footway gritting. Previously footway gritting has been carried out reactively during the working day. However we have taken on board feedback and will introduce precautionary footway treatment routes including main access routes to schools, public services and health facilities. It isn’t possible to treat all footways and we, as a Council, will be encouraging community resilience and self help through the introduction of Community Grit bins.”

In an innovative move the Council, in partnership with local Community Councils and Tenants and Residents Associations, will be introducing 35 community grit bins in central locations in towns and villages throughout the area. The community bins, which will be larger than the normal grit bins, will encourage community resilience and self help and it is hoped that the new bins will put a stop to individuals stealing and selling grit which was uplifted from outside our depots.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “In days gone by we all took responsibility for our own footways and driveways and thought nothing of clearing snow from our own or our neighbours’ footways. We need to get back to the days when communities showed resilience.

“As a Council we are storing the maximum amounts of salt possible. Last winter we had 6,000 tonnes of salt stock piled, however this year we have over 8,000 tonnes stored between our two depots, which is enough salt for an average winter, at a cost of over £200,000 to the Council,. The last two winters have been extreme, they have not been average winters but we are attempting to increase our resilience by stock piling salt. I would urge our communities to also look at their own resilience – purchase a snow shovel, keep a close check on the weather forecast and most importantly take into account the needs of elderly neighbours. As a Council we cannot physically clear every carriageway or footway during a prolonged period of severe weather – communities must also help themselves.”

In addition to the introduction of improved priority routes and community grit bins a new real time, web-based winter service management system has been introduced which will improve the dissemination of information relating to winter treatment decisions and also action taken. The system will help to improve the management of salt stocks and provide improved performance monitoring and reporting.

Councillor Tom Cook, Chair of the Governance and Scrutiny Committee added: “The new system is an excellent resource which has been introduced following a large scale review of our winter service. The Risk Management Centre will also have access to the management system and this will enable operators to provide up to date information via the Council Helpline.

“Our employees worked in extremely difficult circumstances last winter and we are all very proud of their dedication. The review of our winter service was an excellent opportunity to further improve the service offered to our local communities and I am sure that if we are faced with another very severe weather the new systems put in place will make a real difference to our communities.”

Ends

The West of Scotland Road Safety Forum, working in partnership with Road Safety Scotland, launches a new campaign today – Monday 27th September – to help tackle it.

Campaign research found that many Scottish drivers using country . . . → Read More: 5 VICTIMS A DAY ON SCOTTISH COUNTRY ROADS IN WEST SCOTLAND]]> On average, 5 drivers or passengers are killed or injured on country roads in Strathclyde every day.

The West of Scotland Road Safety Forum, working in partnership with Road Safety Scotland, launches a new campaign today – Monday 27th September – to help tackle it.

Campaign research found that many Scottish drivers using country roads regarded them to be ‘low risk’ due to the fact that there is often less traffic on them and yet, statistically speaking, there is a significantly higher chance of death and injury on this type of road. 1,775 people were killed or injured on country roads in the West of Scotland in 2009.

This new initiative uses radio to help target drivers when they are actually using country roads, and is supported by posters, online information (www.roadsafetywestscotland.com) together with high profile promotional activity in key public areas throughout West Scotland to directly engage with the public and raise awareness of the issue.

Councillor Betty Cunningham, the Chair of the West of Scotland Road Safety Forum says;

“In Scotland, 75% of road deaths occur on country roads and addressing this issue is a high priority for the Forum and for the Scottish Government’s Framework. The Forum is keen to continue the excellent work already undertaken by Road Safety Scotland to help make Scottish roads safer.

“During 2009, according to official data provided by Strathclyde Police, some of the most frequently reported causation factors in country road collisions were cited as being loss of control, a failure to look properly and driving too fast for the conditions. The West of Scotland Forum is working closely with all our key partners and members to raise awareness of the specific hazards motorists face when driving in the countryside”

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland added;

“We are pleased to support this important campaign; in using the imagery from our successful television and cinema campaign, it strongly reinforces the message. It is ironic that many people perceive country roads to be safer places to drive due to the fact there is less traffic around – not considering the many unexpected risks caused by slow moving vehicles, animals, hidden junctions, and cyclists to name just a few. It is a fact that country roads claim more lives than any other type of road in Scotland”

The country roads campaign will remind drivers:

• They are not alone on country roads
• To look out for the myriad of hazards on the roads and be aware of the unpredictability of driving in the countryside
• They don’t have to be speeding to be going too fast
• Not to become another stark statistic

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research for the Institute of Advanced Motorists says;

“The IAM supports this vital initiative. We know from our own extensive research that drivers often choose the wrong speed for the conditions on country roads and, in many cases, take more risks because they think it is safe to do so. It is this driving culture which we need to change and it’s encouraging all the key stakeholders in road safety are working closely together to raise awareness and target lethal country road crashes”

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety, East Ayrshire Council;

“We know that 9 out of 10 Scottish drivers regularly use country roads and we are determined to reduce the number of crashes and casualties by working closely with all our partner agencies to make this happen.

“Our Country Roads Campaign will hopefully reach out to all road users to get across a very important message that ‘You are not alone on a country road’ and, as a consequence, you should take extra care at all times”.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Members of the West of Scotland Road Safety Forum include the 12 councils in the West of Scotland detailed below, together with Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Services.

• North Ayrshire
• South Ayrshire
• East Ayrshire
• North Lanarkshire
• South Lanarkshire
• Renfrewshire
• East Renfrewshire
• West Dunbartonshire
• East Dunbartonshire
• Argyll & Bute
• Inverclyde
• Glasgow City Council

For more information on the campaign or for copies of the campaign posters and other materials (in PDF) which can be downloaded visit the Forum website www.roadsafetywestscotland.com

To find out the number of collisions occurring in specific locations visit www.dontriskit.info/country-roads/home/

For media enquiries contact Jan Deans on 07980 851360.

The works will commence from approximately 60 metres north of the mini roundabout to Hearth Road. The roadworks have been planned to coincide with the forth-coming school holidays . . . → Read More: ROADWORKS ON A70 AYR ROAD & NEW BRIDGE STREET CUMNOCK]]> On Sunday 10 October, East Ayrshire Council’s Roads Maintenance Unit will be carrying out resurfacing works on the A70 Ayr Road and New Bridge Street, Cumnock.

The works will commence from approximately 60 metres north of the mini roundabout to Hearth Road. The roadworks have been planned to coincide with the forth-coming school holidays and will take between 7 and 10 days to complete. This £140k project will involve planing off the existing carriageway surface, regulating and resurfacing a 455 metre length of carriageway.

The A70 will remain open for the majority of the works. To ensure the safety of our work force and the travelling public a convoy system will be in operation and some delays will be inevitable. Please note we may have to close the mini roundabout and the junction at Hearth Road at certain times to allow resurfacing work to be carried out safely and efficiently. Local Diversions will be in place during these periods and drivers are asked to follow the diversion routes when signed accordingly.

Advisory signs will be erected in advance of the works to alert the travelling public.

East Ayrshire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.

Ends

Road

There will be a number of restrictions on the trunk roads and motorways, including a partial closure of the northbound M77, . . . → Read More: PAPAL VISIT 2010]]> Plans to keep Central Scotland moving on the day of the Papal visit on Thursday 16th September are now being finalised as travellers are urged to check their travel plans in advance.

Road

There will be a number of restrictions on the trunk roads and motorways, including a partial closure of the northbound M77, with further closures and diversions on local roads networks through Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Traffic restrictions on the day will include:

• closure of the northbound carriageway of the M77 from Junction 2 (Barrhead Road) to the M8 at Junction 22 (Plantation)
• partial rolling closures of slip roads on the M8, A8 and A702
• restrictions on local roads in Glasgow and Edinburgh

For journey planning information see Traveline Scotland. For information on traffic on the national trunk road and motorway network visit Traffic Scotland.

For local roads information visit the Glasgow or Edinburgh council websites.

Rail

Train services into and out of Edinburgh and Glasgow will be particularly busy that day with ScotRail putting queuing systems and additional carriages in place where possible to assist with those going to see the Pope in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

For rail information visit the Scotrail website and the Glasgow Underground website.

This £150,000 project will involve removing the existing road surface, kerbing, regulating and final resurfacing of 366 metres of carriageway. . . . → Read More: ROADWORKS AT HIGH GLENCAIRN STREET]]> From Sunday 1 August 2010 to Sunday 8 August 2010 East Ayrshire Council’s Road Maintenance Unit will be carrying out resurfacing works at High Glencairn Street, East Shaw Street and West Shaw Street, Kilmarnock.

This £150,000 project will involve removing the existing road surface, kerbing, regulating and final resurfacing of 366 metres of carriageway. Works will be carried out during evenings and early mornings from Sunday 1 August 2010 to Friday 6 August, with further works being carried out during the day on Saturday 7 August and Sunday 8 August. Local businesses and residents directly affected with these works will be informed directly.

Preparatory works will take place over the first three evenings, with final surfacing operations taking place over two nights. To ensure the safety of our work force and the travelling public, temporary traffic lights will be erected on High Glencairn Street, Kilmarnock. East Shaw Street will be fully closed and there will be a partial closure of West Shaw Street. Access to East Shaw Street and West Shaw Street will only be permitted to properties /land within the affected length of road. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Diversions will be in place and drivers are requested to follow the diversion route when signed accordingly. East Shaw Street and West Shaw Street will re-open during the day and re-close at 7pm each evening. On Saturday 7 August and Sunday 8 August the road marking works will be completed during the day.

Ends

Over the past five years no children have been killed on our roads and there has been a significant decline in the number of children seriously injured. In 2008, . . . → Read More: ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS]]> Road safety measures introduced by East Ayrshire Council have had a dramatic effect on the number of children killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Over the past five years no children have been killed on our roads and there has been a significant decline in the number of children seriously injured. In 2008, 7 children were seriously injured whereas in 2009 this figure fell to zero!

And the reasons behind this great success are the three E’s – Education, Engineering and Enforcement.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “This three prong approach has effectively cut the number of children seriously injured or killed on our roads. On an annual basis our Road Section analyses the road accidents which have occurred in the area and this informs where our programme of road safety improvements is focused. This policy of focused improvement works has significantly contributed to accident reduction.

“The introduction of 20mph mandatory speed limits and advisory 20’s Plenty signs within residential areas and near schools have also been very effective. The Council will continue to introduce 20’s Plenty areas and will continue to support advertising campaigns which educate drivers about the importance of adhering to the speed limit – we need to encourage drivers to lower their speed and understand how they should drive through residential areas.

“The Council has also received funding from the Scottish Government to improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable road users including children travelling to and from school. A new pedestrian crossing will be built on Holehouse Road in Kilmarnock, a cycle path will be developed in Stewarton and cycle routes will be extended and improved throughout East Ayrshire. This will provide a safe route for youngsters travelling to school.

“Our Roads employees work incredibly hard behind the scenes introducing improvements to our roads and I would like to thank them for their absolute commitment to road safety. I am incredibly proud of our achievements – this is real success which is measured in lives saved!”

Ends

The road improvement scheme at Coalhall has significantly improved sightlines at the junction with the B730 route to Stair, for vehicles emerging on to . . . → Read More: ROAD IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED ON A70]]> East Ayrshire’s roads are now safer thanks to two road improvement schemes recently completed on the A70 at Coalhall and Mote Toll by the Council’s Roads and Transportation Section.

The road improvement scheme at Coalhall has significantly improved sightlines at the junction with the B730 route to Stair, for vehicles emerging on to the A70. This has greatly enhanced road safety.

The Mote Toll junction lies to the west of Ochiltree and the improvement scheme here included the construction of a left-turn lane for traffic heading into Ochiltree from the west to help minimise the risk of queuing traffic on the A70. The junction forms part of the bus route to and from Ochiltree and the scheme will be of particular benefit to buses and other large vehicles which previously had difficulty negotiating the turn.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “The A70 provides for essential local traffic movements between communities. It is also an important strategic route which carries longer distance traffic from the M74 corridor directly to Cumnock, Muirkirk and other Ayrshire towns. East Ayrshire Council will continue to upgrade the A70, when funding is available, to enhance safety and improve accessibility to East Ayrshire.”

Ends

This £255,000 project will involve removing part of the existing road surface, kerbing, drainage, regulating and resurfacing a 1690 metre length of carriageway.

Preparatory works will take place over the . . . → Read More: GALSTON TO HURLFORD ROADWORKS]]> From Monday 5 July East Ayrshire Council’s Roads Maintenance Unit will be carrying out resurfacing works on the A71 – Galston to Hurlford.

This £255,000 project will involve removing part of the existing road surface, kerbing, drainage, regulating and resurfacing a 1690 metre length of carriageway.

Preparatory works will take place over the first 5 days. To ensure the safety of our work force and the travelling public a convoy system will be in operation during this period and some delays will be inevitable.

The final surface course will be laid on Saturday 10 July and Sunday 11 July and Saturday 17 July and Sunday 18 July. Due to the current road widths this operation will require the A71 to be closed during this period. No traffic will be allowed through the works and access will only be permitted to properties/land within the affected length of road. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the diversion route when signed accordingly.

Traffic will be diverted via the A76, A719, A71 and vice versa. Advisory signs will be erected in advance of the works to alert the travelling public.

The Council apologies for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.

Ends

The works will take approximately 7 days to complete. This £80,000 project will involve removing the existing road surface, deep patching, kerbing, regulating and resurfacing a 300 metre length of carriageway.

The Council’s Travel Plan Co-ordinator ran the banner competition for local primary schools and Danni’s winning entry will now be displayed at every school entrance . . . → Read More: BANNER WINNER IS STREETS AHEAD]]> Danni Gillespie from Hurlford Primary was streets ahead of the competition with her winning banner design and slogan to encourage young people and their parents to walk to school.

The Council’s Travel Plan Co-ordinator ran the banner competition for local primary schools and Danni’s winning entry will now be displayed at every school entrance in East Ayrshire when the schools return in August.

Councillor Jim Todd, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said: “I was really pleased to congratulate Danni on her excellent design and slogan – Use Your Feet Not the Seat. Presently 43% pupils in East Ayrshire (1) walk to school and I would like to encourage our young people and their parents to walk to school. Walking to school is a great way to stay fit and healthy while creating a positive impact on the environment and this competition helped to promote all the benefits.

“The entries were of an incredibly high standard and we have decided that the winner and runners up artwork will be produced into four posters which will further promote walking to school.”

Winners:
Danni Gillespie, Hurl ford Primary School
Runners Up:
• Joint entry from Kimberly Chow, James Baird and Stuart Lindsay, Darvel Primary School
• Katrin McNaught, Nether Robertland Primary School
• Caitlin Roxburgh, Drongan Primary School

(1) Sustrans National Hands UP Scotland National Results 2009

Ends

Len was elected to this prestigious role by members of the ILE Scottish Region and will hold the post for a year. In his role as Chairman of the ILE Len will promote . . . → Read More: INSTITUTION OF LIGHTING ENGINEERS]]> Len Paget, East Ayrshire Council’s Street Lighting Manager, has been appointed as Scottish Chairman of the Institution of Lighting Engineers.

Len was elected to this prestigious role by members of the ILE Scottish Region and will hold the post for a year. In his role as Chairman of the ILE Len will promote the institute’s objectives to promoting excellence in all forms of lighting and to undertake and evaluate lighting in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Len Paget said: “I am extremely honoured to have received this nomination and wish to thank East Ayrshire Council for their continued support of my work with The Institution of Lighting Engineers. East Ayrshire Council has made a considerable invest in high quality street lighting since its formation in 1996 helping make East Ayrshire a safe and vibrant community and raising its profile within the street lighting community.”

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “I was very pleased to congratulate Len on his appointment. We are fully supportive of the aims of the ILE and are currently introducing new lighting technologies which not only provide better street lighting but use up to 33% less energy. We also use 100% green energy to run our street lighting and recycle 100% of our lamps, lanterns and packaging materials.”

Ends

The A713 will remain open for the duration of . . . → Read More: ROADWORKS ON A713]]> On Monday 17 May East Ayrshire Council Roads Division will be carrying out resurfacing works on the A713 Dalmellington to Ayr Road, from the South Ayrshire Boundary to, and including, the junction with the B742 Dalrymple Road. The roadworks will take 7 days to complete.

The A713 will remain open for the duration of the works, however to ensure the safety of our work force and the travelling public a convoy system will be in operation and some delays will be inevitable. This £90k project will involve planing off the existing surface, regulating and resurfacing an 830 metre length of carriageway.

Along with the above works we will be carrying out resurfacing works on the B742 Dalrymple Road from its junction with the A713 for 700 metres. This £40k project will involve deep patching, regulating and resurfacing. These works will require the B742 to be closed from Monday 17 May 2010 until both the A713 and B742 works are complete.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: “We are fully committed to improving our roads infrastructure and these works are a very important part of the improvement works. By completing these works together it will ensure cost efficiency and minimise disruption to the travelling public. However the Council apologies for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.”

Diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to follow the diversion routes when signed accordingly.

Traffic travelling from Coylton will be diverted northwards along the A70 to Holmston Roundabout, turning left onto the A77 trunk road continuing South westwards until turning left onto the B7034 to Dalrymple, before turning left to connect back onto the B742 and vice versa.

During the road closure access will be permitted to any property on the B742, however traffic will be unable to exit onto the A713 from the B742 or access the B742 from the A713. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times

Advisory signs will be erected in advance of the works to alert the travelling public.

Ends

Latest figures show that 61% of us are currently overweight or obese and that we jump in the car for over a fifth of journeys shorter than one . . . → Read More: WALK TO WORK THIS WEEK]]> Commuters in East Ayrshire are being urged to walk their way to a healthier lifestyle during national Walk to Work Week (26 – 30 April 2010).

Latest figures show that 61% of us are currently overweight or obese and that we jump in the car for over a fifth of journeys shorter than one mile. National walk to work week is a reminder that walking can make a positive improvement to our lives and the environment.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Community Regeneration said: “The theme this year for Walk to Work Week is ‘Get Fit Without the Hassle’. By walking for just 30 minutes a day you could reach the recommended target for daily activity and transform your health. In addition to the known health benefits, such as weight loss, regular exercise is known to boost performance at work and counter lethargy, stress and depression.

“You can also save pounds by walking at lunchtime instead of using your car for short distances. Walking benefits your health, your pocket and of course the environment!”

Ends

As drivers and . . . → Read More: ROAD REPAIRS STEAM AHEAD]]> There’s good news for local commuters this holiday weekend as the Council’s Road Maintenance Unit steams ahead with repairs to our roads and footway network. 13kms of road have already been resurfaced – the B743 will re-open today, Thursday 1 April and the C82 will re-open for the Easter weekend.

As drivers and pedestrians know all too well the prolonged period of sub zero temperatures and large amounts of snow during the winter months has resulted in significant damage to the roads and footway network throughout Scotland. The consequences for East Ayrshire have been challenging and in response the Council committed an additional £2m for road repairs as part of its 2010/ 11 budget settlement.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “The Road Maintenance Unit is working extremely hard resurfacing our badly damaged roads. To date £500,000 has been spent resurfacing 13kms of road and although the team has been hampered by the recent spell of severe weather they are still pushing ahead with essential repairs.”

The B743 Sorn to Muirkirk road will re-open today, Thursday 1 April following extensive resurfacing. The C82 Nurseries Direct Road will re-open for the Easter weekend and two further sections will be surfaced the following week. Works have also been completed on the C126 and C100 near Dunlop; the C117 Byra Hill at Stewarton; the U4, U5 and U6 near Priestland and the C24 near Crosshouse which equates to 7kms of road surfacing alone.

The teachers and pupils took part in a series of talks, workshops . . . → Read More: THINK SMART- TRAVEL ACTIVE]]> More than 80 pupils and teachers from 24 primary schools in East and North Ayrshire recently attended a School Travel Plan Conference – a joint-council event designed to encourage schools to develop eco-friendly ways for pupils to get to and from school.

The teachers and pupils took part in a series of talks, workshops and activities all aimed at raising awareness of the environmental issues surrounding travel and encouraging schools to participate in a range of projects available to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.

On the day delegates heard presentations from Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity and West Dunbartonshire Council’s Travelling Green Project which encourages Primary Five children to change their lifestyles by walking all, or part of the way, to and from school and the many places they visit.

Representatives from Learning Teaching Scotland and quality assurance highlighted how school travel planning and active travel can be embedded into the Eco-school agenda and Curriculum for Excellence.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Environment and Regeneration said: “This was a very worthwhile event which encouraged young people and teachers to look at sustainable travel to and from school. Darvel Primary School gave an excellent presentation on their successful Walk Round the World project, which the school established to encourage more pupils to walk and cycle to school. I hope that everyone who attended the conference has come away with at least one great idea. Small steps can lead to big changes!”

For more information on School Travel Planning contact Christine McManus, Travel Plan Co-ordinator 01563 555503 or email christine.mcmanus@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Ends

East Ayrshire Council recently approved an . . . → Read More: A713 ROAD CLOSURE]]> The road surface of the A713 Dalmellington to Castle Douglas road, south of Dalmellington, has been badly damaged as a result of the recent severe winter weather. The road will be closed for essential resurfacing for a week from Monday 22 March and diversions will be in operation.

East Ayrshire Council recently approved an additional £2m for road repairs following the severe winter and co-funding has been received from the Scottish Timber Transport Forum to assist with repairs on the A713, B741 and C82. These routes are important to the timber industry for transporting timber from the forests to the markets.

Ends

In East Ayrshire the situation is no different – the extreme weather over the past few . . . → Read More: ROAD REPAIRS ARE UNDERWAY]]> As drivers and pedestrians know all too well the prolonged period of sub zero temperatures and large amounts of snow during December and January has resulted in significant damage to the roads and footway network throughout Scotland.

In East Ayrshire the situation is no different – the extreme weather over the past few months and subsequent consequences have been challenging, and a considerable sum is required to repair the damage to the road network as a result of the severe weather.

This includes lengths of road requiring urgent reconstruction and resurfacing, urgent potholing and patching and other areas of road and footway requiring less urgent repair.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “East Ayrshire Council has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the road network is maintained in safe condition by approving an additional £2M for road repairs as part of its 20010/11 budget settlement. Additional resources have been allocated to pothole repair work, which is ongoing, and the Roads and Transportation Service has already started a programme of patching and resurfacing work.”

Ends

The road resurfacing project will start from the junction of Rydreston Drive and Lamont Crescent to the new community facility. In addition to this resurfacing project there will also be repairs made to frost damaged roads . . . → Read More: NETHERTHIRD RESURFACING]]> Works to improve the road surface at the new Community Centre in Netherthird will start next week.

The road resurfacing project will start from the junction of Rydreston Drive and Lamont Crescent to the new community facility. In addition to this resurfacing project there will also be repairs made to frost damaged roads at Carsgailoch Avenue, Holmburn Road and John Allan Drive while work will be undertaken to reinstate a section of footway on Craigens Road.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Environment and Regeneration said: “The access road to the new Community Centre in Netherthird will greatly benefit from resurfacing and will allow much easier access to what is an excellent community facility. The Council will be turning its attention to our frost ravaged roads in the coming weeks. £2m has been committed by the Council to repair our roads which have been damaged as a result of the severe weather and I will be releasing further information in the coming weeks in regards to the programme of works in relation to road repairs.”

Ends