Getting things done – Perth Road #dundeewestend

Some time ago, I requested that the additional Moveable Vehicle Activated Signs on Perth Road near Sinderins – to encourage all motorists to drive below the 30mph limit – be moved further west as they were too close to the Sinderins junction.

This was done and moved near the Rockfield Street junction but the signs are currently not working because – I suspect – of the need for battery recharge.

I have had an assurance from the City Council that the signs will be checked and necessary action to get them working again will be taken.

Temporary Traffic Order – Lower Pleasance

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Scottish Water iron work repairs being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the entry to and exit from Lower Pleasance (at its junction with Lochee Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 26th July 2020 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Lochee Road southbound, returning Lochee Road northbound/Polepark Road.

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director

City Development Department

Dundee City Council

Spaces for People proposals in the West End – an update #dundeewestend

As residents will be aware, “Spaces for People” is the temporary infrastructure programme that offers funding from Scottish Government through Sustrans to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential trips and exercise during the current health emergency.

I have already updated residents about one of the Dundee projects as part of this programme – 20mph zones of which the one in the West End around the Perth Road shopping area and lanes has had a very positive feedback already as the signing and lining goes in.

Another proposal was a proposed “modal filter” envisaged for Riverside Approach – a feature used to limit through-journeys along a street by certain modes of transport.

The principle of a filter to stop large vehicles like HGVs using the bridge at Riverside Approach then drive along the narrow Perth Road lanes, Roseangle or Magdalen Yard Road was a good one. My problem with the proposal is that it envisaged stopping all vehicles including local residents’ access to their homes via Riverside Approach and feedback from constituents was unsurprisingly not supportive.

I raised the matter with the City Council and the Parking and Sustainable Transport Team Leader has responded helpfully as follows :

“The modal filter envisaged for the area of Magdalen Green would have seen the closure of Riverside Approach at Barnett’s Garage – and all but pedestrian and cyclists would have been able to use this route (north/south). There would be no vehicular access between Riverside Drive and the Perth Road Lanes area and residents driving to and from this area would be diverted to the Perth Road – using either the bridge at the Botanic Gardens or past the University.

I have taken on board your comments and I am aware of the potential for negative feedback from residents. Following initial discussions and experience from elsewhere, this project was placed on hold and would now only be progressed with community support.

If you can advise of an alternative site for a modal filter in this vicinity that would have the effect of reducing through traffic while retaining the support from the wider community I would willingly consider other options.”

I woudl really welcome feedback from residents on possible alternative sites for a project likde this in the West End – do please e-mail me at fraser@frasermacpherson.org.uk.

Gardening for wildlife – Workshop and Q&A

Helena Simmons from Ninewells Community Garden will share her tried and tested ideas on making space for wildlife within a productive vegetable garden at this on-line workshop tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd July) at 1pm.

She will talk about benefits for crop protection, biodiversity and carbon storage.

The live online workshop is a great opportunity to share ideas and ask questions about your own gardens.

You can register for it here.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL – WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

Please note that most works are subject to change and late completion due to the restrictive measures in place following UK and Scottish Government advice that only emergency/urgent works and those considered essential should take place during this period.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD – WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 20 JULY 2020

20mph speed limit zone road marking and traffic sign works commencing Monday 29 June 2020 for 2 weeks to improve road safety for the higher levels of pedestrians and cyclists in the following streets in the Perth Road area: Roseangle, Magdalen Yard Road, Richmond Terrace, Richmond Court, Fort Street, Nethergate from its junction with West Marketgait to its junction with Perth Road, Perth Road from its junction with Nethergate to its junction with Hawkhill, Minto Place, Strawberrybank, Osborne Place (where adopted), Shepherds Loan, Taylors Lane, Spinners Wynd, Union Place, Step Row, Patons Lane, McGonagall Square, Tayfield Place, Provost McGowan Place, Thomson Street, Seafield Lane, Seafield Road, Seafield Close, Bellfield Avenue, Magdalen Place, Westfield Lane, Westfield Place, Westfield Avenue, Greenfield Place, Park Place (where adopted), Pennycook Lane, St Peter Street, Ryehill Lane, West Wynd, Mid Wynd, Millers Wynd (where adopted), Springfield, Hawkhill Place, Artillery Lane, Cross Lane, Temple Lane, South Tay Street, Palais Court, Tay Street Lane, Tay Square, Long Wynd, West Port, Old Hawkhill and Hunter Street.

Lower Pleasance (at junction with Lochee Road) – closed on Sunday 26 July for Scottish Water ironwork repairs.

Forthcoming Road Works

Greenbank Place – closed from Monday 5 August for 3 working days for carriageway resurfacing works.