McMillan Attends A78 Meeting

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has described today’s meeting regarding problems on the A78 as "positive".

The meeting was attended by members of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council's and Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP, amongst others.

This was the latest in a number of meetings to try and resolve problems at the A78/Inverkip junction, an issue that Mr McMillan has been involved in for a number of years. A number of issues were discussed including the possibility of altering the speed limit on this stretch of road.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased that the Minister for Transport, Keith Brown MSP, was able to attend today's meeting and I was encouraged by the potential for progress to be made on this issue.

"I have long campaigned for a suitable resolution to the road issues at the A78/Inverkip Junction and will continue to so in the hope that we can find a solution that suits all parties involved.

"The outcome of the meeting was certainly positive and I am pleased the Transport Minister was taking the concerns of the Community Council's onboard."

McMillan Receives A78 Update from Transport Scotland

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Monday) received a response letter from Transport Scotland in relation to the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction.

Mr McMillan had previously written to Transport Scotland to highlight concerns from constituents in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay to the revised junction layout. In the response letter Transport Scotland indicate, a post construction road safety audit has been undertaken at the junction and its performance continue to be monitored… To enable a quantitative evaluation of the revised junction layout we have instructed a follow up conflict study to compare the before and after safety performance of the revised arrangement.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I'm pleased Transport Scotland have listened to the concerns of my constituents and have indicated they will undertake a follow up conflict study to compare the before and after safety performance of the revised arrangement.

"I know from the correspondence I have received from constituents in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay they are concerned with the revised junction layout.

"Therefore, I felt it was important to write to Transport Scotland, again, to highlight my concerns and those of my constituents and to ask that action be taken to improve road safety on the A78.

"Since I started with this campaign, progress has been made, although it has been slow and hard work. I will continue to fight for improved road safety improvements on the A78 as a top priority."

McMillan Highlights A78 Traffic Incident to Transport Minister

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) written to the Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, to make him aware of the recent traffic incident on the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction which involved two vehicles.

Mr McMillan has been contacted by a number of constituents who both live and commute around the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction area and are anxious for improved road safety measures to be implemented in the area.

Mr McMillan said;

"I have, once again, written to the Transport Minister in relation to road safety on the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction.

"I recently emailed the Minister, on Monday 14th February, in relation to the A78 Trunk Road – Inverkip Junction to represent the views of my constituents on possible improved safety measures which could be implemented on the Trunk Road and at the junction.

"The purpose of my further writing is to make the Minister aware of this road traffic incident and to, once again, put on record my hope that he will meet with me at the junction to highlight my constituents concerns about road safety"

McMillan Seeks Meeting With Minister for Transport Over A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) written to the Minister for Transport to seek a meeting regarding the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction

In his letter, Mr McMillan raises the concerns of constituents who have contacted him regarding the re-painting of the line markings at the junction and the lack of additional signage.

Mr McMillan said;

"I have been inundated with correspondence from constituents who are very concerned that the new road markings have created a change in priority and the work undertaken has made things worse.

"I am very concerned with the way developments have occurred and believe its vital the views of the residents of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay are put forward.

"Therefore, I have written to the Minister for Transport to strongly request that a meeting be arranged at the earliest, most suitable, occasion between him and I in-order for me to convey the deeply felt concerns of my constituents."

McMillan Raises Constituent Concerns Regarding A78 with Transport Scotland

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) written to the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland regarding concerns raised by constituents about road safety on the A78 - Inverkip Junction.

Mr McMillan has been contacted by constituents who have highlighted issues with the renewal of the line markings on the road. The constituents have argued that, there has been a change in priorities, and it is causing problems, no signs have been put up warning people of the changes.

Mr McMillan said;

"I have recently been contacted by constituents who have raised their concerns regarding the renewal of the line markings on the A78 and the potential issues this has brought for road safety.

"One constituent is concerned that there has been a change in priority, in their opinion, and this will require adequate signage to alert drivers.

"Therefore, I have, today, written to the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland to raise my constituent's concerns and ask that they investigate this matter immediately.

"It's imperative that road safety is the top priority."

McMillan Welcomes Funding for A78 Greenock

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement from Amey that a Transport Scotland scheme on the A78 next month will see the trunk road return to carrying traffic in both directions on Inverkip Street through Greenock.

Managed by Amey, the £145,000 project includes alterations to South Street Roundabout, resurfacing of Inverkip Street at Newton Street junction, kerbing realignment, signing changes, and new road markings.

The works on the roundabout at South Street are scheduled to last 10 days, starting Friday 8th October, with works by Newton Street following on after.

Mr McMillan said;

"I fully welcome this announcement from Amey that work is to be carried out on the A78 Inverkip Street through Greenock.

"I raised this issue with Amey back in 2007 as I felt the road needed resurfaced. Therefore, I welcome the common sense decision that has been taken to make the improvements to bring the trunk road back to two-way removing the need for the diversion.

"This announcement is good news for Inverclyde."

McMillan comments on the A78 Transport Scotland Final Report

After the publication of the Amey produced report commissioned by Transport Scotland regarding the A78 at Inverkip, Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) said:

"I would like to thank Transport Scotland and Amey for listening to the views of the many constituents who responded to my survey. It’s clear that we would not have progressed the issue this far if I hadn’t undertaken my survey in both Inverkip and Wemyss Bay and if I hadn’t received such an overwhelming response.

"It’s clear that Transport Scotland and Amey have now spent some time looking at this issue and the report highlights the variety of options that have been considered.

"I am naturally disappointed that Transport Scotland have decided to progress with Option 1 - the re-painting of the road markings, as compared to one of the other options. However, I fully appreciate that a detailed study has been undertaken, and based on the evidence to date; Option 1 is considered to be the preferred option.

"At our recent meeting, I did receive confirmation that Transport Scotland will continue to monitor the A78 at Inverkip. Furthermore, as the report states, any further development work, such as at the power station site, will obviously have an impact upon the A78, therefore the wider implications of development must be taken into consideration.

"As has previously been reported, I also undertook a consultation regarding the power station and it has been clear from the responses that the adverse traffic implications are a major concern.

"The issue of traffic management on the A78 will not go away once the work has been carried out by Transport Scotland, but I now look upon this as a starting point for future improvements.

"I would just like to reiterate my thanks to every resident who took part in my survey and to Transport Scotland for investigating the issue."

McMillan Comments on A78 Meeting

Stuart Mcmillan MSP has commented on last night's meeting with Transport Scotland and AMEY discussing progress on the A78/Inverkip Junction. Inverkip And Wemyss Bay Community Council and others were also in attendance.

Mr McMillan said;

"The meeting was well attended and the community activists and politicians were content that we were fully briefed on the additional work commissioned.

"We were informed that the final report will be published shortly.

"It is clear that Transport Scotland and Amey have listened to the concerns raised by Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council and myself and will continue to do so. Additional measures are required for this junction and with even more development, such as the power station proposals, this will only exacerbate the current infrastructure including the existing junction.

McMillan Welcomes Confirmation of A78 Meeting

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news from Transport Scotland that the follow up meeting, with interested parties, to discuss the A78 to take place on Monday 28th June.

The meeting will be a further opportunity to hear about the video study that was undertaken by Amey in March of this year and to find out what progress has been made in relation to road safety on the A78.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the confirmation from Transport Scotland that a further meeting will take place, with interested parties, in connection with the A78 Inverkip Road and road safety.

"As I've said before, this is a campaign which will not rest until real action is taken to address the safety concerns of the many constituents who have contacted my office through the two consultations I undertook with the Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages.

"Therefore, I am pleased Transport Scotland have arranged a further meeting to discuss the video study and I will be raising a number of issues such as the Bankfoot Roundabout, the traffic lights at Inverclyde Academy and about accidents on this stretch of road."

McMillan Welcomes Further Meeting on A78 Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from Transport Scotland that there is to be a further meeting, with interested parties, in connection with the A78.

The meeting will be an opportunity to hear about the recent video study that was undertaken by Amey on the 8th and 20th March.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news that Transport Scotland are to hold a further meeting with interested parties in connection with the A78 Inverkip and the recent video study that was undertaken.

"This is a campaign which will not rest until real action is taken to address the safety concerns of the many constituents who have contacted my office through the two consultations I undertook with the Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages.

"Therefore, I am pleased Transport Scotland have come back to me, so soon after completing the video study, to arrange a further meeting to discuss the data, the current status of the Bankfoot Roundabout and the state of the traffic lights at the new school."

McMillan Highlights A78 Road Safety Issue In Parliament Speech

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Thursday), once again, highlighted the issue of road safety on the A78 road network. Mr McMillan made his views clear during a speech in the Scottish Parliament about the Scottish Government's Road Safety Framework.

Mr McMillan said;

"I fully support Scotland’s first Road Safety Framework to 2020 and am delighted that the Scottish Government is implementing an ambitious road casualty reduction target.

"In early 2008 I was contacted by a number of constituents who were concerned about this section of the A78. Since this initial correspondence I undertook a consultation in relation to road safety.

"I had an overwhelming 41% response rate to my consultation on the A78 and have also received 721 responses to my consultation on the Inverkip Power Station, so far.

"What has been clear is that the A78 will struggle to cope with even more vehicles using it at peak times.

"I will continue to fight for road improvements in order to secure a safer future for pedestrians and motorists in the area.

"I think it is also vital to implement the recommendations of the Road Safety Framework where seeking to influence young people’s attitudes to road safety and increasing awareness of the benefits of lower speed driving in relation to health impacts and road safety."

MSP and Councillor Meet With Transport Scotland on A78 Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) along with Ward Councillor Innes Nelson have met with Transport Scotland to discuss the A78 and road safety. The meeting with Transport Scotland comes on the back of two consultations Mr McMillan undertook in the villages of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. The meeting was an opportunity to represent the views of the hundreds of constituents who responded to the consultation and raised a number of issues about the A78 and road safety.

Mr McMillan said;

"I felt the meeting with Transport Scotland was very constructive and it gave both myself and Councillor Nelson an opportunity to represent the views of the many constituents who feel urgent actions is necessary to improve road safety on the A78.

"We were told that the current review of the North, South and Marina junctions will have, at least, the draft report completed by the end of July.

"Some of the aspects the review is looking into are the operation of the junctions, waiting times and accident statistics.

"Alongside this, Amey have been instructed to carry out a speed limit review of the A78, which is due to be reported on by August 2009.

"I am encouraged by the information Transport Scotland have passed on to both myself and Councillor Nelson at the meeting. However, I am under no illusion that this must lead to real and swift action being taken in order to improve road safety on this stretch of road."

Cllr Nelson said;

"I would like to thank Transport Scotland for allowing me to put forward residents concerns regarding travelling times and road safety on the A78, which runs the full length of our ward.

"These concerns include waiting times at two new sets of Traffic lights at Inverclyde Academy, skidding problems on the Bankfoot Roundabout and the potential for additional loading due to new housing developments.

"Our constructive dialogue is a positive step forward and I am hopeful that this will lead to future improvements to the road."

McMillan Secures Meeting with Transport Scotland to Discuss A78 Inverkip

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Friday) received confirmation from Transport Scotland that they are to meet with him to discuss his consultation's of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages regarding the A78 Trunk Road. Mr McMillan has written numerous correspondence on behalf of constituents to Transport Scotland about the consultation findings and has been keen to arrange a meeting with the organisation before the A78 Safety Partnership next meets on 30th June in Ayr. The meeting with Transport Scotland will take place on Friday 26th June.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to have secured a meeting with Transport Scotland to discuss the findings of my consultations in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

"This will allow me to represent the views of the constituents who have responded in their hundreds to my consultations.

"Its vital that road safety is looked at on the A78 Trunk Road, especially in the light of recent accidents which have caused large delays for commuters.

"I will be urging Transport Scotland to seriously consider taking forward the views of my constituents and ensuring that the three month review being carried out by Amey is a thorough investigation of road safety on the A78."

McMillan Receives Response to A78 Review Questions

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has received a response to his recent email to Transport Scotland from the Chief Executive David Middleton which indicates that the three month review of the A78 trunk road will take into account, 'any temporary or external influences such as school holidays or local diversions arising from works on the adjacent network'. Mr McMillan was passing on concerns raised by constituents who had contacted him stating that the review of the A78 must take into consideration the school holidays.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased that Transport Scotland have listened to the concerns of my constituents who feel its vital that the three month review being carried out by Amey takes into consideration the upcoming school summer holidays.

"Many constituents have contacted me since I undertook my consultation of the Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages to ask that I highlight the road safety issues on the A78 and that the review must take into consideration holidays.

"Therefore, I am glad the response I have received from Transport Scotland indicates that the survey data will take into account of any temporary influences such as school holidays."

McMillan Concerned with Accidents on A78 Inverkip

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today made his concerns known about the road accidents which have occurred on the A78 Inverkip. The most recent road accident seen large tailbacks on the A78 when there was a crash, allegedly, involving two vehicles at Bridgend.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am concerned that there has been crashes on the A78 in recent weeks and this has lead to lengthy delays on the road for commuters.

"Alongside this, I have received correspondence from constituents who have informed me that it took emergency services around 10 minutes to arrive at the scene and the main A78 was closed in both directions for over 40 minutes.

"These accidents highlight why it is vital that the three month review being conducted by Amey find solutions to improve road safety.

"I have therefore written to the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland to highlight these accidents and to once again raise the concerns of my constituents about the A78 Inverkip."

McMillan Raises Transport Issues for Inverclyde In Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) raised in the Scottish Parliament chamber transport issues which are affecting Inverclyde. Mr McMillan was speaking in the West of Scotland transport debate and also raised the question with the Minister for Transport on the A78 in General Question Time.

Mr McMillan said;

"I felt it was both necessary and important to raise transport issues, which are affecting constituents in Inverclyde, on a national level.

"This is why I was pleased to be able to highlight the Gourock to Dunoon ferry issue and the need for more trains at Wemyss Bay in the West of Scotland Transport debate.

"Alongside this, I was pleased to be able to quiz the Minister for Transport about the A78 and to ask him to accept my invitation to come to Inverkip and see for himself the dangerous and potentially life threatening A78 junction.

"I hope that the Minister will also be able to meet with or make representations to the Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council regarding their concerns.

"This is an important campaign which I will continue to raise whenever I get a chance on behalf of the residents of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay."

McMillan Welcomes Review of A78 Inverkip

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news from Transport Scotland that they have asked Amey, who
manage and maintain the A78 trunk road, to carry out a three month review at Inverkip including the south, north and Marina junctions.
This follows on from recent pressure Mr. McMillan has placed for action to be taken on the A78 to improve road safety.

Mr. McMillan is to raise the issue in the Scottish Parliament chamber and has used the results of consultations he has conducted in the
villages of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay to highlight constituents concerns.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to have been informed by Transport Scotland that they have instructed Amey to carry out a review at Inverkip which will include looking at the south, north and marina junctions.

"I have been inundated with constituent responses to my consultations from residents in both Inverkip and Wemyss Bay village stating that they wish urgent action to be taken to improve road safety on the A78.

"I hope this three month review will take into consideration the results of my consultation, which highlight many constituents concerns, and that Amey and Transport Scotland act to improve the safety at the south, north and marina junctions.

"This is a massive step forward in the campaign to get action on the A78 trunk road. I now hope that the authorities will take the necessary steps to improve the road safety on the A78."