Council to probe 'perceived increase' in Greenock car crashes

Graeme Brooks has made the request after being contacted by constituents concerned about the number of smashes that have occurred within in his ward.

The councillor's call came just hours before the latest incident in the area, which saw a two people rushed to hospital after a three-car crash at the junction of Forsyth Street and Newton Street at around 5pm on Tuesday.

A 50-year-old woman, who was one of those taken to hospital, was reported for alleged road traffic offences following the incident.

Councillor Brooks' call for council action comes following a catalogue of collisions in recent months, which have seen police called to the junction between Ardgowan Street and Robertson Street on numerous occasions.

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Other accidents nearby have compounded concerns regarding local road safety, with Councillor Brooks stating that there is a perceived increase in the number of incidents.

He told the Telegraph that roads officers will investigate whether there has indeed been a rise in the number of crashes crashes and take any action necessary.

Councillor Brooks said: “If there is a rise it’s definitely something that needs to be looked at.

“The challenge is if we put traffic calming measures in place, they cost a lot of money and they’re controversial – whether it’s roundabouts or speed bumps.

“It may also be that we simply need better lines and signs.

"Most of the junctions in the west end grid don’t have give way signs and while I’m the last person that wants more street furniture, somebody needs to make a decision about whether signs are required.

“A roads officer will need to look at it and if signs are needed then we need to make sure the road markings are continually kept up to date and proper."

In February the Tele reported that emergency services had sealed off the corner of Robertson Street and Ardgowan street following a collision.

Less than a week later police attended a multiple vehicle smash down the road on Union Street.

A third incident which involved a police car colliding with another vehicle occurred in April, with no serious injuries reported.

Councillor Brooks has urged motorists to be alert when driving in the west end and to report any incidents to the police.

He added: “I’m going to ask questions about whether there’s something that’s happened in the west end of Inverclyde and officers will be able to look into it.

“People need to drive carefully around here, the west end is a grid and it’s also an area with three schools.

“Another problem is that if there’s a bump and it doesn’t get back to the police or the council then the statistics might not represent what’s actually happened.

“It would be good to have a clear picture of how many RTCs are happening, and unless they’re reported to the police we won’t know."