Forres Community Council heard from Mannachie Rise Residents Association about traffic issues in their area
Calls are being made for road safety measures to be introduced on a housing estate before it’s too late.
Mannachie Rise Residents Association (MRRA) member, Dave Brown, told attendees at the last meeting of Forres Community Council about traffic issues between Sanquhar and Mannachie Road.
He explained: “There is one way in and out via Mannachie Avenue onto Mannachie Road. We are concerned about the increased traffic - much of which exceeds the 30mph speed limit - on Mannachie Road as well as obstructions to visibility when entering and leaving the estate.
“When approaching the avenue from the north, there is no clear line of sight south beyond the junction, partly due to the kink in the road but also due to vegetation on the west side of the road, behind Meadowlark Care Home.
“Cars often park outside the houses opposite Meadowlark so anyone wishing to pass must do so on the wrong side of the road because of this lack of clear line of sight of oncoming traffic.
“Similarly, when exiting onto Mannachie Road, oncoming traffic from the left is not easily seen. This is even more hazardous turning north.”
Dave highlighted that pedestrians crossing at the junction - particularly schoolchildren - are endangered, as well as motorists.
He also pointed out that buses, tractors and, increasingly, lorries use the road, as housing developments continue to expand at the top of Mannachie.
“Construction activity and house numbers in the area are increasing,” he said. “The field east of Mannachie Road is being filled and when Dallas Dhu Distillery re-starts production, there will be increased commercial traffic on this small and already busy road.
“Making the road safer now is the most sensible action.”
MRRA have asked that vegetation on both sides of Mannachie Road be cut back more frequently to aid visibility. Further suggestions are the introduction of a 20mph speed limit and two or more traffic chicanes such as have been successfully introduced on St Leonard’s Road.
Dave added: “And why was it necessary to introduce a new 40mph speed limit sign on the edge of the housing development to the south before Dallas Dhu? It doesn’t encourage lower speeds at Mannachie!”
Landowners are required to prevent vegetation from obstructing traffic visibility for traffic. If this does not happen when requested, the council can do so then seek payment for the work.
A local authority spokesperson said: “We have inspected the wider area, and are arranging for the roadside verge to be cut back. The vegetation closest to the junction is part of landscaping for the development, and the factor for this area will need to take steps to address this.
“Where vegetation at the care home is overhanging their boundary fence, we can also seek its removal.”
Moray Council is responsible for traffic calming measures in the region. It “routinely” monitors road conditions and reviews reported injury accidents. However, a spokesperson claimed data has shown no evidence of excessive vehicle speeds at Mannachie.
He said: “Traffic data has shown no evidence of excessive speeds so there is no cause for concern. However, we will continue to monitor road safety in this area.
“Transport Scotland have recently issued an implementation guide for 20mph limits in Scotland. The implications of this are being studied and will be reported to councillors in due course.
“The new 40mph speed limit sign erected on the edge of the development to the south before Dallas Dhu is part of the planning conditions on the current developments.”
