Wishaw MP Urges Road Safety Review After Accidents
Wishaw’s MP, Pamela Nash, has called for a road safety review to be conducted on a busy Wishaw street following a series of accidents. Nash has written to North Lanarkshire Council, urging the authority to assess Cambusnethan Street in light of recent incidents. This plea comes after a man was knocked down on the road on Tuesday, January 21, prompting concerns about the safety of the area.
The most recent accident adds to a concerning pattern, with a 12-year-old girl being badly injured in a hit-and-run last April, and a man suffering a serious leg injury in May 2022 after being struck by a car on the same street. Nash expressed her worries, especially considering the high pedestrian traffic in the area, particularly young children on their way to and from a nearby primary school.
In her statement, Nash said, “I have urged the council to undertake an immediate Road Safety Review to address these concerns and identify potential improvements.” She also reassured that she will continue to work with the council and Police Scotland on this matter, encouraging local residents to share their concerns.
The issue was initially raised after the incident involving Jessica Frew, 12, who was seriously injured in April. The driver responsible for the hit-and-run fled the scene, leaving the young girl lying unconscious. North Lanarkshire Council responded to the concerns by committing to assess the traffic situation on Cambusnethan Street, considering factors like speed, pedestrian usage, accidents, and proximity to schools.
With over 200 requests annually for traffic calming measures and pedestrian crossings, the council highlighted the need for prioritizing areas with the highest need due to budget constraints. By following an assessment framework aligned with council policy, resources will be optimally utilized to address critical safety concerns.
In conclusion, Nash’s proactive approach to road safety highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration between local authorities and residents. By advocating for improvements and prioritizing safety measures, she is working towards creating a safer environment for pedestrians in Wishaw.