A CONCERNED Inverclyde councillor is driving forward a campaign to stop speeding along Gourock waterfront.

Chris McEleny has joined forces with local residents to call for traffic calming measures to be introduced on Ashton, Albert and Cloch roads.

Mr McEleny says the speed at which drivers race up and down is causing residents distress but is also an 'accident waiting to happen'.

He's calling for roads chiefs to introduce speed cameras and look at another pedestrian crossing to help people get across the road safely.

In one week alone this month, seven motorists were stopped and warned about their driving on the stretch.

Two were issued with fixed penalties for speeding and a motorist was reported for dangerous driving due to excessive speed.

Mr McEleny says the time has come for something to be done to prevent a serious accident.

He said: "It's a rat race here at night time.

"People speed up to get to the ferry after their work and you also have people coming back into Gourock from the national speed limit section, still going at 70 or 80 miles an hour.

"Drivers don't slow down quickly enough.

"The road gets far too busy and people can't get across.

"There's no pedestrian crossing between Kempock Street and Inverkip.

"We need incremental solutions to this, small changes over time will make a big difference."

Gourock resident Alison Eyland said she's been shocked by the behaviour of some drivers on Ashton Road.

She said: "One night I saw a car overtaking six others right in front of one of the flats at the Gantocks going towards Inverkip.

"There needs to be cameras or something to stop things like that happening."

Resident John Carroll added: "It seems drivers can do what they want with impunity just now.

"There has to be consequences for them."

Now Mr McEleny is set to present a proposal for road safety plans to council officials.

He added: "There's clearly an appetite for changes in our local community.

"We've had a lot of good feedback from local residents.

"It will be a cost for the council but it will be worth it."

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: "We have yet to receive any correspondence but we always take into consideration feedback regarding our roads network when looking at areas where improvements could be made.

"Speeding itself is a matter for the police who have the powers to enforce speed limits."