By Gary Cooper

A BID to clamp down on seafront speedsters at Montrose has hit the skids.

Town councillor Sandy West appealed for an investigation into options for traffic calming and enforcing the speed limit at the popular attraction.

Mr West conceded although vehicles were not tearing around at 100mph, they were travelling faster than the 20mph limit in force there.

He told the infrastructure services committee of his fears for the safety of people visiting and enjoying the area from speeding traffic.

“I want the council to be proactive and not reactive to speeding at the seafront,” he explained.

But fellow town councillor Mark Salmond argued against any investigation as it was a police matter.

He was happy with the mandatory 20mph speed limit there as well as lane-narrowing features already on the beach loop road and natural traffic calming caused by vehicles parked at the seafront.

“It is up to Tayside Police to enforce the speed limit,” Mr Salmond said, adding he saw no valid reason for any report on the issue to be compiled.

His stance was criticised by councillors including Frank Ellis and Alex King.

Mr King said, “If there is a problem, let us find out what that problem is.”

Committee member Councillor Bob Myles said, “The first port of call should be the police, to identify if there is a problem.”

Councillors voted 9-6 against preparing a report on slowing-down traffic at the beach area.

It sparked a follow-up move by Councillor Ralph Palmer that a report on the speeding issue and improving traffic calming be produced by the council in conjunction with police.

He explained, “There is an overlap between the police and Angus Council on this, it therefore seems sensible we go forward jointly on it.”

However, it too fell by a similar margin after a vote.

After the failed ballot bid, Councillor West warned, “I really, really hope that no child is injured or worse in the coming season at Montrose seafront.”