Issue - meetings

Update from Police Scotland

Inspector Bart Simonis provided the Forum with a verbal update on the ongoing work of the service. He advised that across Bute and Cowal there had been 66 reported road accidents since 1 June 2024 and that fatal road accidents remain in line with last year and the 5 year average. Inspector Simonis highlighted that within Argyll the main risk on the roads remain motorcyclists, those unfit to drive, people’s manner of driving and visitors to the area and that this information has been used to support ongoing work to target these specific groups.

Inspector Simonis highlighted that year to date, across the area, 40 people had been reported to the Procurator Fiscal as being unfit to drive through drink or drugs which is slightly down from the previous year but in line with the 5 year average.

Inspector Simonis voiced concerns around the amount of road users who are unfit to drive due to maturing age or medical conditions advising that many road users need to assess if they remain fit to drive and urged anyone with medical conditions to discuss with a medical professional. Inspector Simonis highlighted that through ‘Cassie’s Law’ Police Officers can now request that someone’s license is revoked by telephone or by email should they deem it appropriate.

Inspector Simonis also provided information on decisions made to close roads following road accidents and highlighted the upcoming national campaigns for pedestrian safety and winter safety.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update from Police Scotland.

Update from Police Scotland

Inspector Bart Simonis gave a brief update on behalf of Police Scotland, advising that road priorities are being up scaled with officers receiving more training on hand held speeding monitors.  Inspector Simonis advised that the Service are continuing to respond to concerns raised by the local community councils on the Cowal Peninsula and provided updates on road traffic and preventative road safety measures and pop up events, confirming that the next event is scheduled to take place in Lochgilphead Fire Station on 28^th June.

Gordon Ross asked Inspector Simonis to confirm if the A83 cameras had been reinstalled.  Inspector Simonis confirmed that he would investigate and confirm with Mr Ross at the conclusion of the meeting.

Kirstie Reid, Strachur Community Council, raised the issue of adults cycling on the pavements in Dunoon Town Centre which she felt was of a serious concern to pedestrians.  Inspector Simonis agreed to highlight that this was not acceptable on social media platforms and contact the Dunoon Advertiser to reinforce this message.

Councillor Hampsey advised that he would liaise with the Council’s Roads Department to explore what can be done to discourage cyclists from using footways.

Councillor Sinclair raised concerns over the motor bike season starting again, and that they push on up to the front of queuing traffic when stopped at lights.

Inspector Simonis advised that motor cyclists are the highest risk factors on the roads and there will be a safety event taking place at Inveraray specifically for motor cyclists. 

Kerris Bone, Kilmun Community Council asked for information concerning the Speed Gun Initiative and community engagement around this.

Inspector Simonis advised that Inspector Roddy MacNeill was leading on this initiative and that all community volunteers would have to go through the Police Vetting Scheme and trained on how to use the speed guns. Inspector Simonis further advised that policies and procedures would have to be put in place and the powers that volunteers would have and how they would report their findings to the police, before proceeding to the courts. 

Councillor Gordon Blair raised concerns over the change in speed limits on local roads going, from 60 down to 40 and on to 30 within a short distance. Councillor Blair highlighted that some motorists were not paying attention to the associated signs and asked Inspector Simonis what can be done about speeding, specifically within the Sandbank area.

Councillor Hampsey agreed to liaise with Police Scotland and the Councils Road Department around speeding and to organise a discussion on this issue for interested parties out with the Cowal Transport Forum.

Outcome

The Cowal Transport Forum noted the information provided by Police Scotland.