A COUNCILLOR is driving forward plans to introduce a new 20mph zone in upper Gourock.

Chris McEleny says it would improve safety for drivers and pedestrians and is in response to growing concerns among his constituents.

The Gourock councillor is currently seeking the views of residents about the idea and also wants to hear from people about ways to tackle parking and congestion issues.

Mr McEleny said: “I’ve been contacted by residents raising concerns about the speed of traffic in the area.

“Some believe that traffic calming measures should be put in place.

“This may be a solution in some areas.

“Others have suggested that residential areas should become 20mph zones.

“Slower speeds reduce accidents and their severity for pedestrians, especially children, and improve how quickly drivers can manoeuvre through junctions.”

Mr McEleny is proposing the 20mph zone along Barrhill Road up to Golf Road, around Kirn Drive and Moorfoot Drive, and in the Cowal View, Carnoustie Avenue and St Andrew’s Drive area of Trumpethill, as well as surrounding streets.

Councillor McEleny said: “Golf Road, Victoria Road, Kirn Drive, Broomberry Drive, Binnie Street and Barrhill Road have always been busy streets, but at times these can now feel overly congested.

“With more houses planned for Gourock it seems likely that some streets, especially the connecting main road to neighbourhoods such as Trumpethill, will get busier.

“I would like to hear views on what could be done to tackle congestion on these streets.

“This might include one-way systems along Broomberry Drive and Binnie Street, new priority controls on roads such as Golf Road, enforcement action on weight-restricted roads such as Victoria Road, speed bumps, and other traffic calming measures.”

Mr McEleny says he’s road-tested the 20mph idea himself and believes it would not add a huge amount of time onto journeys — and could even save time in some instances.

He said: “It’s apparent that warning people that they need to watch their speed is not working.

“Traffic is getting faster and there are more and more cars on the roads and it’s not sustainable.

“I’ve had a very good response so far and suggestions to include some streets which weren’t originally considered for the 20mph zone.

“I want to engage as many people as possible.

“There’s no reason this couldn’t be rolled out to other areas of Gourock or even Inverclyde and maybe we could become the first 20mph zone in Scotland.”