One way the wrong way
David O'Leary • Published 6 Jan 2012 09:30
4 Comments
A FURIOUS campaigner has hit out against new traffic regulations after her own car was damaged twice.
Former Peebles community councillor Janice Pace, unsuccessfully tried to convince roads bosses two years ago that the one-way traffic to be introduced to Elcho Street should flow west to east.
However, bosses ignored both her, Peebles Community Council and the majority of her neighbours.
And they instead implemented an east to west flow. Now the residents, and Mrs Pace, are counting the cost.
Janice said: "I've lived here for 20 years and never had problems with my car being pranged on the street.
"The first time it seems the motorist entered the wrong way and in trying to reverse out hit my car.
"They just drove off and left me with over £1000 of damage. The second time at least the woman had the decency to knock on my door and tell me.
"I've seen dozens of other motorists driving the wrong way up the street. This is exactly why the community council, other residents and myself called for the one-way to run the opposite way."
Mrs Pace has become so fearful of damage to her car that she has to park elsewhere to avoid any unwanted dents.
And she now in the hope of forcing a council review of the system has gained the backing of Peebles Community Council in compiling another survey of residents.
Peebles Community Council chair David Pye said: "I can understand Mrs Pace's frustration especially given both her and our own initial concern about this one-way system.
"Of course, you cannot legislate for poor driving but we will revisit this issue once again if it is the wish of local residents."
But the developments are unlikley to force the debate back to the table.
A council spokeswoman told us:"The direction of flow of both Elcho Street and Crossland Crescent was extensively debated at local level and following that process the current layout in both streets was ratified by members of Tweeddale Area Committee. To return Elcho Street to two-way operation would need further political input and decisions.
"The removal of the one-way system in Elcho Street is not something that could be decided in isolation and any decision would also need to take into account the implications and effects on the local traffic network."
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 06 Jan 12
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j. p. ward
Unregistered User
Jan 9, 07:17
Report commentHave cars become broader since I was a laddie, or are there just more of them? I can remember cars in Elcho Street 70 years ago.
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oblivious
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Jan 10, 08:58
Report commentIs Elcho street that much of a traffic black spot during the Peebles rush hour that it needed to be made one way in the first place?
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Gutterbluid
Unregistered User
Jan 13, 12:52
Report commentI disagree with Ms. Pace that the traffic flow is the wrong way. It's now so much easier trying to cross over the junction at Damdale/March Street. You needed to have eyes in the back of your head to see if anything was turning left from March Street before. The council's decision was the right one as it's so much safer for pedestrians now.
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Gutterbluid
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Jan 13, 12:59
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