Big Brother at Leadburn

David O'Leary • Published 13 Jan 2012 09:30 1 Comment

THE use of CCTV cameras to monitor traffic at a notorious junction has been called for by local MSP Christine Grahame.

Ms Grahame this week put forward the idea of introducing CCTV cameras at Leadburn junction.

A total of 15 reported accidents occurred at the blackspot between December 2009 and December 2011 - two of them fatal.

And the layout of the intersection where the A701, A703 and A6094 converge has been blamed in a large number of these smashes.

Improvements to lighting and signage were carried out at the crossroads at the end of 2010, but the work has been criticised by safety campaigners who claim a roundabout is needed to cut accidents at the site.

However budgetary constraints at both Midlothian and Scottish Borders Council seemingly rule this out as an option - the junction marks the boundary between the two local authorities.

But after conducting her own inquiries Ms Grahame believes CCTV would be advantageous to roads authorities and the police service in their efforts to cut the death toll and the volume of injury accidents at Leadburn.

She said: "Despite various amendments to the road lay-out and signage at Leadburn the number of collisions resulting in injuries to drivers and passengers remains unacceptably high. The installation of cameras, even on a trial basis, must be worth a try."

And she has drawn some backing in her CCTV bid from Peebles Community Council chair David Pye, who said: "Leadburn is desperately in need of some pro-active initiative. Each year the subject is raised but nothing ever seems to get done.

"I applaud this CCTV idea but at the same time would like to see a more detailed proposal before backing it wholeheartedly. It will cost money to install, run and monitor these cameras, when everyone knows that what is needed is a roundabout or new junction."

Roads officials in the Borders and Midlothian have also given details this week of the latest accident reduction measures planned for Leadburn.

A 40 miles-per-hour speed restriction over the four approaches to the intersection is proposed. The speed limit will be backed by advance electronic give way warning signs which are vehicle activated so individual cars will receive a flashed warning as they near the junction.

A similar system at a crossroads on the A6089 near the Berwickshire village of Gordon is said to have worked well.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 13 Jan 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  gordy
  Unregistered User
  Jan 14, 21:12
  Report comment

  would it not be a better idea to use the money thats going to be spent on CCTV and put it towards paying for a new roundabout. whats the point having CCTV to watch the accidents happen when a roundabout will help prevent accidents and save lives or mabe thats to simple
  
  Gordy
  
  Recommend?   Yes 30     No 0

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