A Brechin councillor has accused the local authority of “overkill” over a speed hump plan in the town.
Bob Myles said he agreed with the need for physical traffic calming measures in Duke Street but said five speed cushions was far too many.
He said three would be more than enough to restrict the speed of traffic and two could be installed at Double Dykes to prevent it becoming a ‘rat run’ for those drivers attempting to avoid the speed cushions in Duke Street.
“I think it’s overkill,” he said.
“I’ve no problem bringing in some sort of traffic calming but this is far in excess of what’s required.
“I feel three speed cushions would be enough and I think the council is hiding behind the regulations.
“There’s no way of getting up to any sort of speed with three but I think five is going to be a nuisance.”
Mr Myles said reducing the speed cushions to three would be a “common sense approach”.
He also welcomed an assurance that local elected members will get a chance to discuss the matter further with the council.
A speed survey for the 20mph Duke Street showed an average speed of 28mph and an 85th percentile speed of 34mph.
The consultation for the installation of physical traffic calming measures in Duke Street was postponed until the completion of the new Brechin Community Campus.
The consultation has now taken place and 63 letters were sent to residents asking their view on the proposed measures.
In total 24 replies were received (38% response) with 15 in favour (63%) and nine against (38%).
The support service manager for the school, the head teacher for the school and the manager of the Angus Alive facility have all intimated their support for the installation of the speed cushions on Duke Street.
The proposed speed cushions would be laid at a height of 75mm.
Angus Council was informed that 75mm high speed cushions have worked well elsewhere without causing damage to vehicles.
The installation of the traffic calming measures on Duke Street is estimated to cost approximately £21,000 which will be funded from the Road Safety/Traffic Calming provision within the 2017/18 Roads (Traffic) Capital Budget.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “The layout design of speed cushions is in accordance with the Road Humps (Scotland) Regulations 1998 to ensure the cushions are effective in reducing speed.
“We will meet with local members following the outcome of the committee to clarify the arrangements.”
