Councillor's bid to make Huntly streets a one-way route

Members of the Marr area committee will be asked in report next week to approve a motion from councillor Gwyneth Petrie (Ward 14) requesting that a one way system is introduced for Seton Terrace and Meadow Avenue in Huntly.

Following receipt of the request by Cllr Petrie the local roads team considered the proposal for a one way system at the site for road safety benefits. In the report to the committee, officers note that "If approval is granted the scheme would be subject to a safety audit. In the event the proposed scheme fails the audit, or any significant changes are required, a further report will be submitted to Marr area committee for consideration."

A future project is planned for Meadow Avenue to extend the existing shared use path eastwards to the school and a one way system on Meadow Avenue would be required as part of this project as the road width would be reduced to accommodate the new extended path.

Officers note: "The entrance to the school is busy at the start and end of the school day with vehicles and pedestrians.

"Currently there are no restrictions on either road allowing vehicles to travel in both directions which increases the potential for conflicts due to the narrow width of both streets."

As part of the proposal it has been recommended to re-align the junction of Meadow Avenue, Seton Drive, West Park Street and Meadow Street, this would allow the installation of the sign poles required for the one way system as well as improving visibility for traffic existing Meadow Avenue.

It is also proposed to instal a short section of double yellow lines opposite the exit from Gordon Primary School to prevent vehicles parking opposite the junction giving more room to traffic exiting the car park who will have to turn right if the one way system is implemented.

It is also proposed to implement a 20mph limit on Seton Terrace and Meadow Avenue alongside the implementation of the one way system. This would likely result in lower traffic speeds and would also allow a significant saving to be made as at present any new signs installed would need to be illuminated as they would be within a street lit 30mph road.

Unlit highly reflective signs can be used within areas subject to a 20mph limit.

The report also comments: "The design costs of this project have been funded through the Cycling, Walking and Safer Roads external grant. "Implementation costs of approximately £15,000, would be funded using external grant funding during 2024/25, subject to grant funding award and committee approval."

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