A FED-UP motorist from Gourock is urging transport chiefs and council bosses to get their act together over traffic light delays and the local road network.
Lynn Perkins 69, who relocated to Inverclyde from Essex 40 years ago, says she wouldn't make the same move now because of the number of controlled junctions and the sequencing of them.
The mum-of-two works in security at Glasgow Airport and says even at 4am in the morning she hits red lights all the way there, even though there are hardly any other cars on the road.
She backs the views of businessman Chris Jewell who recently highlighted the issue in the Tele as he complained about the timings at the Patrick Street junction.
She told the Telegraph: "I wholeheartedly agree with what Chris Jewell has said about the traffic. I feel he has only hit the tip of the iceberg.
"There are around 20 sets of traffic lights between Gourock and Port Glasgow.
"I drive to work in the early hours of the morning and I get stopped by every set of traffic lights, even though the roads are quiet.
"Most major junctions would have benefited from a roundabout rather than traffic lights to keep traffic moving."
Lynn has also criticised the controversial local cycle lane along the main road, saying that the current layout with raised islands is a hindrance to 999 vehicles.
She said: "I have been trying to let emergency vehicles through several times and it is virtually impossible.
"The cycle paths should have been on minor roads."
Lynn says she also cannot understand why moves are being made to get rid of the Bullring roundabout on the A8 under the Levelling Up project.
Lynn said: "The Bullring roundabout is the only thing that works.
"I really think the town planners, roads management and councillors should really think what would make people want to live or work here.
"It is practically derelict. It needs better roads, in and out of the town, it needs parking to encourage people to visit and stay.
"We have lived here for over 40 years, but had I been looking now, no way would I even stop to look."
The Tele put her complaints to council bosses and trunk roads chiefs Amey.
The latter did not respond.
An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “Most traffic lights on roads we have responsibility for have vehicle detection systems designed to avoid unnecessary stops.
“With regards the Patrick Street lights specifically, there was a minor issue and that was fixed once we were made aware of it and we are continuing to monitor that area.
“We are not aware of any new issues having been raised directly but we always welcome and very much appreciate feedback and will investigate any issues raised directly with us.
“With regards the Levelling Up funding, of which the Bullring removal is part of, all the proposals were put out to public consultation and while we can’t control how many responses we receive, people did have the chance to have their say and almost 80 per cent of respondents were in favour of the Bullring proposal and over 80 per cent on average were supportive of the overall project.
“The very essence of the project is to make improvements to and open up Greenock Town Centre and build on existing work, such as the new cruise ship visitor centre, to encourage more people to discover what a great place Greenock and Inverclyde is to live, work and visit.
“We appreciate the feedback from Ms Perkins and there are a variety of platforms such as the Citizens’ Panel and community councils that are always looking for new members and fresh ideas to help deliver positive change for the people and communities of Inverclyde and we would encourage Ms Perkins and others to get involved and help make a difference if they can.”
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