Speeding drivers putting pedestrians at risk in Kilmacolm

David Wilson has hit out after complaints from local residents over the 'failure' of new zones brought in to tackle the problem on hotspots like Port Glasgow Road.

The chair of the police and fire scrutiny board, who led the campaign for the new limits to be introduced, says he has raised the issue of enforcement with Police Scotland.

But he today warned that funding cuts to the national force means that officers are unable to ensure that drivers who break the law are caught.

Councillor Wilson said: "I have had many residents come to me with concerns about the speed of drivers through the village, and about the failure of drivers to reduce their speed and I have raised it time and time again.

"The council can introduce the limits but it needs to be enforced by the police. But as we know there are cutbacks with the police and also the fire service as well. I am the chair of the scrutiny board and we see it all the time.

"We see this in Inverclyde with the police station situation and also to the fire service.

"We want people in Kilmacolm to be safe."

Following pressure from the local community the council introduced mandatory 20mph limits in the centre of the village last year.

In 2021 Councillor Wilson had asked officers to take action to record speeds because of concerns about dangerous driving.

But frustrated villagers say the 20mph limit subsequently brought in is making no difference because drivers are not being penalised for breaking it.

Wilson Hoggart, 86, of Port Glasgow Road, said: "What is the point of the 20mph rule if the police are not enforcing it? They have put in the speed limits but drivers do not slow down at all and break it all the time.

"We have people in the Woodrow Court building who struggle to cross the road. I really feel something needs to be done about it. There has been no police presence here at all. That is the only way to stop it."

The Tele put the concerns of Councillor Wilson and residents to Police Scotland and asked them what action is being taken to address their concerns.

The force said that they have to prioritise and target areas with the greatest danger.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: "Road safety is a priority for Police Scotland and we are part of a crucial partnership approach.

"Officers in local divisions and the road policing division are out every day educating road users and carrying out enforcement.

"We have dedicated intelligence-led patrols on targeted routes to take action against dangerous drivers.

"Road policing officers are a specially trained resource and we must prioritise proactive enforcement activity by using an evidence-based approach, targeting areas with the greatest risk."