Selkirk-Moffat road speeders will ignore any counter-measures
As a resident of the Yarrow Valley for years, an ex-police officer whose responsibility covered the valley and a former traffic officer, I feel I have to have my tuppence-worth on "that most dangerous road" the A708 Selkirk to Moffat.
I have complained about the antics of motorcyclists on the A708 and the tragedies caused. However, I have to take issue with the suggestions in the article.
This is not an inherently dangerous road until irresponsible people, car drivers but mainly motorcyclists, use it as a race track or a road where they can get their kicks by travelling at ridiculous speeds.
A 50mph speed limit sounds good but I think the road imposes its own speed limit, a maximum of 50mph, which most traffic observes. Those who travel at excessive speed will, I venture, ignore a 50mph limit as they do the 60mph one.
There is an obvious perception of excessive speed by most people on foot – they see vehicles to be travelling much faster than they are. As far as motor cycles are concerned, their noise gives the impression of high speed. On many occasions they are travelling at excessive speed but 50 to 60 mph on a motor cycle can seem very fast if it passes you as you walk at the side of the road.
The main problem with motor cyclists involved in accidents is that their perceived skill levels fall below their actual skill levels.
Motor cycle magazines encourage riders to use the A708 for their away-days and I have no objection to that. However, I think that they should also publish a record of the accident rates.
I am realistic enough not to believe that we will ever stop the crashes, but a reduction is possible. Possibly signs, as we had some years ago, showing the number of casualties, and warning signs at each end of the A708 to highlight what is ahead if the users of the road do not act responsibly.
I totally agree that something has to be done, The steps to be taken have to be carefully considered. I dismiss a 50mph speed limit and the suggestion that the road should be downgraded to B class. This would make no difference to the errant motorcyclist or car driver but would hit local people to whom the road is a lifeline requiring the attention commensurate with its current classification, especially in winter.
I will be at the meeting on October 4 when, hopefully, a sensible and constructive result will ensue. Anything that is put in place must be done after proper investigation and no resort made knee jerk reaction.
David Valentine
Yarrowford
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Weather for Selkirk
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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Wind direction: South west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 5 C
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