Seeing red over those yellow lines at junction

Oct 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, West Lothian Courier

MAY I submit, the following comments, of concern to the residents of Ramsay Crescent, Bathgate, regarding the dangerous road junction, at the bottom of Crosshill Drive, and Kirk Road.

This particular junction was redesigned some time ago, but has now led to a daily, dice with death to motorists.

It would appear that the problem stems from the fact, that double yellow lines, were painted at the junction. These Lines, are correctly painted, as per Highway Code Rules, that it is illegal to park within 10 metres/32 feet of a road junction.

However, from Crosshill Drive, turning left onto Kirk Road, the yellow lines are only painted to a length of a metre, this allows motorists, delivery drivers to stop outside a shop.

The problem is compounded by the fact that there is red painted hatchings, no overtaking, down the centre of the road, at this point. Also a filter lane for turning into Crosshill Drive, opposite the shop, means as cars and delivery vans may, be parked at the shop, t blocking the entire road.

I believe this issue has been raised at the Community Council meetings but no action taken. So can someone, from either the roads department, or the police, explain why, it was necessary to stop the painted yellow lines, one metre, from the junction.

If the correct no parking rules applied for the road at this junction, then traffic would have a clearer view, when exiting, this junction.

I feel it is only a matter of time before a nasty accident will occur here, made worst by the large amount of schoolchildren, standing at this junction, or crossing the road.

Daniel Dunlop, by e-mail