Locals divided by new upgrade on 'dangerous' Glasgow junction
A community is divided about a Glasgow junction which has recently been upgraded.
As the Glasgow Times reported in August, the "notoriously complex" double-roundabout at Westland Drive, Danes Drive and Victoria Park Drive North was changed to enhance safety.
Over a 60-day period, engineers installed temporary traffic lights, which are now fully operational.
Locals, however, are in disagreement about whether the project will help manage cars.
The junction (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
Nigel Payne at the roundabout (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
Nigel Payne (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
Nigel Payne is upset with both the lack of consultation and the updates.
He said: “We have lived here for 15 years and I appreciate something needed to happen because of the massive influx of traffic.
"The problem is the fact that the city council have just proceeded to do this without consultation with immediate residents.
“They started one before Covid but it was never concluded.
“They didn’t come up with suggestions for any alternative solutions and have reduced the width of the pavement, so the children, dogs and cyclists are actually closer to the road now.
“Now, cars that are approaching those new traffic lights are becoming very frustrated at the long waiting time and are speeding, using the local avenues as rat runs."
The roundabout (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
Newly-installed traffic lights (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
In contrast, others have praised the new design, including Christopher Wallace, who described it as a "massive improvement".
He added: "It was certainly dangerous before. It is much quicker to get through the junction now, there are no queues.
"Traffic slows down because it's split into those turning left and right.
"Children can effortlessly cross the road, they just press a button and wait for all the traffic to stop.
"It definitely made it a safer place to be."
About the consultation, he said: "Nobody has asked my opinion but I really don't see the need for a public discourse."
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A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “Safety concerns have been raised about this junction for some time.
“Proposals to introduce traffic calming measures in the Victoria Park area, which included this junction, were previously consulted upon, but no consensus could be found.
“However, the community did indicate during this consultation a preference for traffic lights to be introduced at the junction.
“The installation of traffic lights is a road safety measure we have the power to implement without public consultation and the new arrangements will provide a safer crossing for local residents, including young people walking to school."
