Another car crashes at road accident blackspot

Jun 17 2009 by David Wynn, East Kilbride News

THE dangers of Strathaven Road were once again highlighted last week following another car crash.

The accident happened at the same spot where an accident in April left a father-of-four and a young woman fighting for their lives.

Tyre tracks from that incident remain at the scene of the latest crash, which happened last Monday afternoon.

In response to questions about safety improvements on the road, South Lanarkshire Council say they are still carrying out a survey at the area, something they are duty bound to do.

Fortunately, Monday’s crash only resulted in a slight injury being sustained by one person. But over the years the road has been viewed as an accident blackspot by residents and there have also been calls for changes to the speed limit.

Father-of-four Paul Fox was seriously injured following a head-on smash on Strathaven Road on March 6.

Mr Fox, the brother of MP Liam Fox, spent three months in intensive care. Lynsey McMahon, 22, was also seriously injured in the accident, which happened close to the entrance to Calderglen Country Park.

A 19-year-old man is due to appear in court in relation to the incident.

Councillor Jim Wardhaugh has repeatedly written to the local authority’s head of roads requesting that the speed limit be reduced from 50mph to 30mph on the single carriageway stretch from the Torrance Roundabout to the slip road to High Common Road.

This would take in the area around the entrances to Calderglen Country Park, New Farm restaurant and the entrance to Crutherland Gate housing development.

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said: “We are currently engaged on a national exercise to review the speed limits on all A and B class roads by 2011.

“The section of the A726 Strathaven Road between High Common Road and Torrance Roundabout is being assessed at present and results will be available by the end of this month.

“This assessment takes account of the accident record on the road. ”

The council spokesman added: “Notwithstanding the speed limit on this road, a safe road environment will continue to rely heavily on responsible driver behaviour."