By Chris Marzella

Copyright dailyrecord

Scotland’s Transport Secretary has confirmed plans to introduce new road signage, a footpath and associated crossing points for pupils of a primary school on the A84 “this financial year”. Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell questioned Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, about measures being taken to enhance road safety on the A84, as well as the A85, in light of recent reports of road traffic incidents. Community campaigners in Blairdrummond have been urging Transport Scotland to take immediate action to improve safety on the stretch of the A84 there. Over the summer, five accidents occurred on the stretch in less than a month, sparking urgent calls for intervention. Local concerns have been voiced about the road from Blair Drummond Safari Park to the junction of the A873, at the Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop. Last month, the Stirling Observer reported that concerned parents and pupils from Kincardine in Menteith Primary , located just off the A84, called on the transport agency to “act now”. They launched a petition urging transport chiefs to “implement urgent road safety measures before it’s too late and someone dies”. Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area. So far, the petition has garnered over 1,100 signatures. Responding to Mr Ruskell’s question, Fiona Hyslop wrote: “On the A84 there is a scheme programmed for construction this financial year, involving new signs, new footpath and associated crossing points for the bus stops for school pupils at Kincardine in Menteith Primary School. “In addition, a Vehicle Restraint System (safety barrier) is currently under design for the A84 between Kildean and Craigforth. This is programmed for construction in 2026-2027. “Road safety investigations are also programmed in 2025-2026 including the section of the A84 between Kilmahog to Lochearnhead.” Regarding the A85, Ms Hyslop revealed that signage enhancement projects would be carried out between Tyndrum and Dalmally, including the Tyndrum junction. She continued: “Vehicle Activated Signs to warn road users of vehicles turning at junctions will also be installed at Dalchonzie and Crieff. A double white centre line system to the east of Glen Lochy, new Vehicle Restraint Systems between Aribea to Arrivain and Lochan Na Bi Culvert and Dunbeg will also be delivered.” Ms Hyslop revealed that between April 2017 and March last year, the Scottish Government had pumped over £28 million into the upkeep and safe running of the A84 and over £80 million into the upkeep and safe running of the A85. “Transport Scotland assesses the safety performance of the trunk road network on an annual basis by screening all locations where three or more personal-injury accidents have occurred in a three-year period”, she said. “In addition, accident patterns and rates in the form of Route Accident Reduction Plans (RARP) are also considered. This ensures that full consideration is given to accidents that may be spread along a corridor. Further investigations are then carried out and, where appropriate, mitigation measures are prioritised for delivery. “This robust, evidence-based approach ensures that the funding available is prioritised for those locations with the potential to deliver the greatest ‘casualty-accident’ savings. It is by using the evidence in this way that available funding can be optimised to best support the delivery of Scotland’s Road Safety Framework and our overarching vision of a future where no one is killed on Scotland’s roads. Through this process a number of schemes are being progressed.” Ms Hyslop pledged that Transport Scotland will “continue to monitor road safety on the A84 and A85 and progress investigations and improvements as appropriate”. Mr Ruskell welcomed the commitment, saying that the “road safety improvements on the A84 can’t come soon enough”. He added: “It’s important there is a final opportunity for the community to feed into the project before it is delivered. “Further improvements on the A84 and the A85 are being prioritised where there has been a history of crashes and casualties. I’d like to see the Scottish Government go further and also look at options for stretches where we have ‘accidents waiting to happen’ such as the Teith Bridge near Deanston. “It shouldn’t need a tragedy to trigger action.” Earlier this month, parents and youngsters from Kincardine in Menteith primary school rallied together to urge the transport authority to “act now” in a frantic bid to safeguard the pupils. Val Morgan, chair of Kincardine in Menteith Primary School Parent Council, told the Observer: “Parents and residents have been urging Transport Scotland to take action to address what is obviously a dangerous stretch of road for many years. Cars, lorries and vans fly down this long, straight stretch of road at 60 and 70mph while parents try to turn in or leave the school grounds.” He continued: “As one of many parents who drop off and pick up their child from the school I can testify that entering and leaving the school can be difficult and there have been numerous near misses. Does a child need to die first before Transport Scotland take action? “The parents are really quite angry now and demand that Transport Scotland’s repeated assurances be turned into action. “Now is the time to get this issue resolved before it’s too late. “Only action now will return our trust. And only action will keep our children safe.” At that time, a spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: “We respect the views of parents and the public and are pleased to see some of the positive feedback around recent engagement. “We also appreciate their frustration at the pace of proposed improvements, and that actions speak louder than words. “A review of the safety concerns raised by the parent council in the vicinity of Kincardine in Menteith Primary School is ongoing and is due by the end of the month. “This is considering potential improvements near the school, church hall and bus stops. New signs and active travel works are among the options under consideration. “It is hoped that construction may commence this financial year, subject to completion of the design and associated processes.” To view the community petition calling for safety measures on the A84 at Blairdrummond, click here .