Road workers put down 30mph road markings in 40mph zone

The 30mph road markings at the north end of Largs had to be removed because the area was in the 40mph zone, sparking concerns that the whole project had been a waste of taxpayers money.

The temporary 40mph zone was introduced as part of an 18 month trial run in May 2023 – and new markings and ‘dragon’s teeth’ were installed on the road earlier this month.

But when complaints and clarification was looked for from the roads authorities, the markings were changed back to 40mph on Monday morning of this week.

Sign blunder: Road marking says 30mph, next to 40mph sign, which had to be subsequently removed (Image: Freddie Moran)

Critics say that it was a needless waste of taxpayers cash.

Unhappy Largs resident Freddie Moran has flagged up with issue with Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson.

In a letter to Mr Gibson, Mr Moran said: “As custodians of the public purse and our taxes can you find out who is responsible for this farce - taking two full days to change from 40mph to 30mph, then revert back to 40mph in under two weeks and costing £2,000 minimum, think maybe closer to £4,000 - can you get the exact cost, and also who will pay for it? Hopefully it will not be me as a taxpayer.”

The 40mph road marking was laid down on Monday (Image: Freddie Moran)

Mr Moran also told the News that roadworkers spent the full morning after starting at 9.30am trying to remove the red blaze on the outgoing side with mixed success – and has questioned why it needed done as there was no speed painted on it in the first place.

And Independent councillor Ian Murdoch, who has been an outspoken critic of the introduction of the trial 40mph limit between Largs and Skelmorlie, was also concerned about the waste of cash in relation to the road markings.

Cllr Ian Murdoch has been a regular campaigner on getting roads and pavements improved throughout district (Image: Ian Murdoch)

He said: “There was nothing wrong with 30 to Hollywood, 40 to the North Gateway and 60 to Skelmorlie.

“Amey and Transport Scotland introduced all these expensive changes to the trunk road and none of them will prevent anyone that wants to break any of the speed limits.

“More police, consistent enforcement and a return of respect for the rules of the road, are the only ways to reduce the speeding issues on any road.

“It is difficult for me to get money spent on the trunk road footways and roads.

“It is extremely frustrating to see lots of funding being spent on unnecessary projects. I'd much preferred it if the money was spent on improving the road in Skelmorlie.”

Mr Moran said: "When I spoke to Ian Murdoch about it  he was astounded. You can have all the signs up but if you are not going to enforce it then nothing will happen. I don't think people really speed in this area and generally people respect the 40mph sign so I think the road markings are pretty needless."

A spokesperson for Amey, the company maintaining the southwest Trunk Road network on behalf Transport Scotland, said: "The recommended measures installed on the A78, including upgrades to road markings, road studs, and speed gateways, mark a £112,000 investment in road safety in Largs with the aim to reduce the number and severity of road traffic collisions on this route as well as reducing speeds between Skelmorlie and Largs.

"A miscommunication between Amey and our supplier regarding signage was identified and rectified at no additional cost to Transport Scotland or Amey."