The governing body of Scotland's trunk roads has responded to concerns raised over a continual speeding problem on the A78 north of Largs.

Gerry McDonald, who lives at the Hollywood residential development at the north end of the town, says his concerns over drivers breaking the speed limit on the trunk road have gone unheeded by the authorities.

As we recently reported, Mr McDonald asked members of Largs Community Council (LCC) what more could be done to back his calls for average speed cameras on the A78 approaching the town from the north - a plea he originally made at an LCC meeting a year ago.

There have also been calls to extend the 30mph limit further out of Largs, rather than have a 40 mph restriction imposed at Hollywood heading north.

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson has taken up the matter on behalf of Mr McDonald after the community council echoed his concerns at a recent meeting.

Mr Gibson has now received a response from the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland regarding the A78.

It states: “Transport Scotland officials have passed concerns about speeding between A78 Largs and Skelmorlie on to Police Scotland for their awareness.

“The section of the A78 north of Largs benefits from a 40 mph buffer which is located between the national speed limit section north of Largs and the 30 mph speed limit section within Largs. 

“As advised in previous correspondence and given the character, mean speed and accident rates, a 40 mph speed limit is considered appropriate on the A78 to the north of Largs. This was agreed in consultation with the police.

“The Scottish Government published Scotland's Road Safety Framework to 2030 in 2021, the framework sets out a vision for Scotland to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030 and an ambitious long term goal where no one is seriously injured or killed on our roads by 2050. 

“As part of the framework, we are undertaking a national speed management review to support a range of policies that helps those government national outcomes and indicators relevant to this area.

MSP Kenneth Gibson has received response from Transport Scotland over speeding concernsMSP Kenneth Gibson has received response from Transport Scotland over speeding concerns (Image: Newsquest)

"Related policy drivers include better road safety and health outcomes, promotion of active travel, climate change mitigation, place making and economic growth.

“The national speed management review covers comprehensive analysis of all types of speed management policies (including HGV speed limits) and initiatives in Scotland as well as a review of what has been introduced in other countries throughout the world. This work has now been completed and officials are considering the proposed outcomes.

“The review process will thereafter include a stakeholder and public consultation to consider views on whether any changes to speed limit policies and speed management measures should be introduced as part of our speed management plan. 

“The stakeholder and public consultations will take place before the end of September. Transport Scotland will continue to work with Police Scotland and its operating company, Amey to manage vehicle speeds along the A78 trunk road with a view to better managing vehicle speeds and, if necessary, reviewing signage and road markings.

“A collision reduction study was completed in 2022 which proposed improving road markings and road studs on the A78 between Skelmorlie and Largs (in the national speed limit section) and also the gateway feature (dragons teeth and roundels), this was partially completed in November 2023. 

“Works were paused due to Scottish Water works which are due to be completed in November 2024 these works will be reprogrammed once the Scottish Water works are completed.

“Transport Scotland, Amey, Sustrans and North Ayrshire Council have been in discussions with regard to active travel provision in the general area, as part of these discussions a short link between Meigle Road and Skelmorlie Castle Road which forms part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path has been identified for improvement.”

MSP Kenneth Gibson welcomed the response, and said: "I am still waiting to hear back from Police Scotland regarding the request for additional speed cameras or enhanced vehicle activated signage at the very least."