Slowing down in Shawlands

Glasgow City Council has installed large speed tables on the street following complaints from the community that cars were racing along the road — and past a local school.

As reported in The Extra, the council had previously taken the issue to consultation, asking residents of Waverley Park to complete a traffic questionnaire.

Pollokshields councillor David Meikle had previously commented that “speeding and rat-running are a big issue”.

This week, he told The Extra: “I’m delighted the council has installed traffic calming. I was receiving a lot of complaints about speeding and through-traffic on this road.

“Further to that, there’s a secondary school, Shawlands Academy, on this street — so I was keen action was taken.”

Not every community welcomes the use of speed bumps, with Newton Mearns residents campaigning to have them removed from Firwood Road in recent years — but the Pollokshields representative believes they are “the only option” for Shawlands, adding: “I’ve received positive feedback so far.”

Readers commenting on The Extra’s Facebook and Twitter pages agreed, although Lynda Nicolson added: “Could they paint the edges please — nearly bust our car, couldn’t see in the dark and rain.”

A council spokesman responded: “The new speed bumps, introduced as part of the Shawlands Town Centre Action Plan, will increase pedestrian safety around the school.

“Road markings are consistent with the UK standard and signage is in place on the approach to the speed bumps, highlighting their presence to drivers and pedestrians.”