THIS REPORT RELATES STIRLING COUNCIL TO ITEM 4 ON THE AGENDA PETITIONS PANEL GOVERNANCE & RESOURCES 13 JUNE 2013 NOT EXEMPT PETITION – ROAD SAFETY BETWEEN KILLEARN AND BALFRON 1 SUMMARY 1.1 A petition entitled “Road Safety between Killearn and Balfron” has been received and calls on the Council to improve road safety on the stretch of the A875 between Killearn and Balfron. 2 OFFICER RECOMMENDATION(S) The Panel agrees to consider the petition entitled “Road Safety between Killearn and Balfron” attached at Appendix 1 to this report and take action as deemed appropriate. 3 CONSIDERATIONS 3.1 On 11 September 2008 the Council established a cross-party Petitions Panel and approved the introduction of a petitions procedure that would enable Stirling’s citizens and local businesses to have a direct route of engagement with the Council’s decision-making procedures. Guidance on the submission of petitions is included with the agenda papers for this meeting. 3.2 The Panel has received a petition entitled “Road Safety between Killearn and Balfron” for consideration. The petition is attached as Appendix 1 to this report. The full petition contains 25 signatures. The 23 signatories that are on the Register of Electors are shown in the Appendix. As the petition has also received the support of Killearn Community Council it complies with the guidance. 3.3 The Petition states that “We, the undersigned residents of Boquhan, Balfron and Killearn, request that Stirling Council consider the issue of improving road safety in the stretch of the A875 between Killearn and Balfron. Currently this stretch of road is subject to a 60m.p.h. limit, with the village of Boquhan restricted to 40m.p.h. We have surveyed the bends on this stretch and the nature and condition of the existing road signage. Our evidence suggests that the twisting nature of the road the poor quality of existing signage and road markings and the high incidence of accidents necessitates urgent measures to improve road safety. We understand that the road through Boquhan is to be resurfaced in July, 2013 and, whilst delighted by this improvement, are conscious that this will also allow motorists to drive more speedily with greater ease. We therefore believe that now is an opportune time to consider what measures might be put in place to improve road safety in the area. To this end we would propose that the following measures be considered for implementation:- • speed limit between Killearn and Balfron be reduced to 40m.p.h., with the village of Boquhan reduced to 30m.p.h.; • road signage be improved to indicate clearly the complex nature of bends and the existence of concealed exits from Jenny Gunn’s Loan and residents’ driveways; • road markings be improved, including double white lines through Boquhan; • speed-activated warnings be erected as appropriate; • rumble strips as appropriate be introduced in Boquhan.” 3.4 A briefing note from Environment Services on the background to the petition is attached at Appendix 2. 3.5 The Petition is deemed to be competent and the Panel is asked to consider it and to determine any action necessary. 3.6 The Principal Petitioner has indicated that he wishes to appear before the Panel to speak in support of the petition. 4 POLICY/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS AND CONSULTATIONS Policy Implications Equality Impact Assessment No Strategic Environmental Assessment No Single Outcome Agreement Yes Diversity (age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation) No Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) No Effect on Council’s green house gas emissions No Effect Strategic/Service Plan Yes Existing Policy or Strategy Yes Risk No Resource Implications Financial Yes People No Land and Property or IT Systems No Consultations Internal or External Consultations Yes Equality Impact Assessment 4.1 The contents of this report were considered under the Council’s Equalities Impact Assessment process and were assessed as not relevant for the purposes of Equality Impact Assessment. Strategic Environmental Assessment 4.2 The contents of this report were considered under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and a Strategic Environmental Assessment is not required. Single Outcome Agreement 4.3 The report supports Strategic Theme B: Encouraging participation and responsibility. Other Policy Implications 4.4 This will depend on any action requested and agreed by the Panel. Resource Implications 4.5 This will depend on any action requested and agreed by the Panel. Consultations 4.6 Environment Services. Tick ( ) to confirm The appropriate Convener/Depute Convener(s) has been consulted on N/A this report The Chief Executive/appropriate Assistant Chief Executive(s) has been N/A consulted on this report 5 BACKGROUND PAPERS 5.1 Petitions Procedure – Report to Stirling Council, 11 September 2008. 6 APPENDICES 6.1 Appendix 1 - Petition entitled “Road Safety between Killearn and Balfron”. 6.2 Appendix 2 - Briefing note from Environment Services. Author(s) Name Designation Telephone Number/E-mail Claire Dunbar Committee Officer 01786 443301 Approved by Name Designation Signature Willie Watson Head of Governance & Resources Date 30 April 2013 Service Reference .