CALLS have been made for a speed limit reduction just outside Peebles before a serious accident occurs.

Pedestrians and cyclists using the path alongside the A72 between Eshiels and Glentress are being put in danger as traffic passes close by them at 60mph limit, it is claimed.

Resident Donald Wallace took the opportunity to raise the issue at the Tweeddale Area Forum in Peebles..

“When you use that pavement one and a half metres off your shoulder cars, buses and articulated lorries are shooting past you. I would argue that this is an accident waiting to happen,” he said.

Police inspector Tony Hodges said it was not in the police’s remit to change speed limits and added: “Accident figures would need to be supportive of a change being made.” Tweeddale West councillor Catriona Bhatia said: “We did look at it and officers did not support it but it would be worth looking at speed surveys in the area.” She added that it might also be worth looking at safety measures at the crossing where the cyclepath meets the main road at Glentress. The meeting agreed that an application for a 40mph limit would be made at the council’s next speed limit review.