Car Crash in Dundee Road Demolishes Street Light and Damages Parked Vehicle

Early yesterday evening, while I was attending a series of Council meetings, the tranquility of the neighbourhood was disturbed by a road traffic accident in Dundee Road.

My wife Rowena reported to me that the vehicle involved demolished a street light and extensively damaged a red Golf saloon car parked beside the road. The car that crashed appeared to have been written off. 

Emergency services attended and there was a short power cut. Power was restored after the damaged street light was disconected and removed. Luckily no one was injured in the accident. Thanks to Rowena for the photographs.

Pothole Action on Douglas Terrace

Last week, I reported a series of eight of the most serious potholes on Douglas Terrace. These were identified on the stretch of Douglas Terrace between its junctions with Dundee Road and Home Street. 

While further along the waterfront towards the harbour the carriageway has been resurfaced, this section of the road is still on the waiting list for an upgrade.

During the winter weather sections of the road surface thet has been been previously dug up and infilled has been eroded and become a hazard.

I am pleased to report that the road has been inspected by staff from the Roads' Maintenance Partnership and they have reported that the potholes should be fixed quite soon.

Positive Responses to Missing Yellow Lines and Gillies Park Improvements

Click on image to enlarge

On Sunday I wrote about the missing yellow lines that had not been repainted at the junction of Brook Street, Westfield Road, Dundee Road and Claypotts Road after it had been resurfaced. I followed this up by contacting staff at the City Council.

I received a very prompt explanation from the Roads Maintenance Partnership that the yellow lining had not been forgotten  but that "the line painting lorry is currently under repair and the double yellow lines will be repainted once the lorry is back in working order."

On Monday, I visited Gillies Park in Barnhill which is located next to Barnhill Primary School and is accessed by road from Ceres Crescent and by foot from Abercromby Street and Falkland Crescent.  I had been expecting to see that the badly rutted car park had been resurfaced and improvements to the lighting in the park had been installed. Having seen that no work had been started and mindful of the fact that funding for this project was available until the end of March, I wrote to the engineer in charge of projects like this. 

The good news is that work at Gillies Park will likely start either later this week or early next week. The staff involved have also reassured me that they will provide advance warning to Barnhill Primary School of the definite start date on site.

Brook Street Junction Reopens - Missing Yellow Lines

After five days of closure, the busy junction of Brook Street, Westfield Road, Dundee Road and Claypotts Road in Broughty Ferry reopened on Friday.

The temporary road closure was to allow the surface of this busy crossroads to be burnt off and to be entirely resurfaced to a good depth. The junction needed a thorough resurfacing because of wear and tear from a high volume of traffic and weather damage. These factors had led to ripples in the road and pot holes that had been filled and refilled over the years.

While Tayside Contracts only required five working days to complete the job, unfortunately not all the road markings are yet in place.

As you can see, the double yellow lines at each of the corners have not yet been painted in.

I have written to the Council to let them know that the lines still need repainting before this job is signed off.

Progress Resurfacing Road Junction on Main Street

Earlier today good progress seemed to have been made in resurfacing this badly rutted cross roads. 

The contractors arranged for the junction of Claypotts Road, Brook Street, Westfield Road and Dundee Road to be closed for five working days. 

Judging by the work already completed, it seems likely that the road will be open again by the weekend.

Road Safety Fears Because 30mph Sign on Dundee Road is Invisible

Can you spot the 30 mph extension warning?
Click on image to enlarge

Constituents have complained that a road traffic sign by the Broughty Ferry Yacht Club is virtually invisible. This is particularly crucial because it is the only sign which alerts drivers of the extension to the 30mph limit from that point as far as Margaret Crescent where the 40 mph speed limit begins. 

I can attest to it being difficult to read until almost standing in front of it. This readability challenge is exacerbated by the unusual shape and colouring of the sign. It is therefore easy to miss. Perhaps as a result of this some drivers seem to be driving in an aggressive manner when they encounter a driver sticking to the extended 30 mph speed limit. 

Can you read this Road Sign up close?
Click on image to enlarge

One resident complained to me that as she drove to wards Dundee, a driver in a following car tailgated her and then pulled out and passed her car just as they drove past Ravenscraig narrowly missing a car coming in the opposite direction.

I have written to the head of Transportation, Neil Gellatly to ask him to replace this sign with one that is readable from a distance and commands the attention of drivers. 

Accident Damaged Wall Reported to the Council

Earlier this week it was reported that a car was in collision with the low boundary wall of this well tended open space at the corner of Dundee Road and Douglas Terrace.

A constituent contacted me and asked who was going to repair the obvious damage to the stone wall. It must have been quite an impact with debris scattered over the grass.

I have contacted the City Engineer and Planning Department to ask them to arrange for the wall to be sensitively reinstated, emphasising this open space is part of the West Ferry Conservation Area.

Extension to 30mph on Dundee Road From Wednesday 22 January

I have been advised that from Wednesday 22 January 2014 the section of Dundee Road, between Margaret Crescent/Broughty Ferry Road junction to Ellieslea Road junction will have a reduced speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph. 

'New 30 MPH Speed Limit In Force' signs will be erected to warn drivers about the new 30 mph section of Dundee Road.

New Street Signs Help Locate Hidden Streets

Two new street signs have been erected to help direct folk to a row of cottages in one of the hidden wee roads in Broughty Ferry.
Residents in Constable Lane live in cottages that lie close to the Dundee Aberdeen railway line and parallel with the main Dundee Road on the other side. Some of the residents requested better signage to help taxi drivers, emergency services and visitors to their front doors. 
They also wanted a sign to help people along the way to Constable Lane via St Roque's Place, another street name that had gone missing from recent published maps.

The City Development Department have obliged with two smart new signs.

Claypotts Road (Strathern Road to Queen Street) Temporary Road Closure for Road Resurfacing Work

On Monday 15 July 2013, carriageway resurfacing work will begin in Claypotts Road between Strathern Road and Queen Street. These roadworks will last for approximately 2 weeks. The Contractor for the works is Tayside Contracts.

In the interest of public safety, a road closure commencing on the above date will be implemented and through traffic will be diverted via Victoria Road, Dundee Road, West Queen Street and reverse. 

On-street parking will not be allowed on the section of carriageway being worked on. Access to properties with driveways will be maintained, though delays will be experienced. The Council, however, asks that vehicular traffic movements be kept to a minimum during the works, in the interest of public safety.

Please note that pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained throughout the works.

Unfortunately, major road maintenance work is unavoidable and necessitates a degree of inconvenience to road users. 

Further information please contact Mr R MacKenzie, Senior Engineer, Road Maintenance by telephoning 01382 834135.

Temporary Closure of Dundee Road from Stannergate Circle to Ralston Road for Resurfacing Coming Soon

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY 
being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of  carriageway surface dressing works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in  A930 Dundee Road (from Stannergate roundabout to Ralston Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 29 June 2013

The weekends of 6/7 July and 13/14 July may be used if the works are delayed due to weather conditions.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Craigie Place / Craigie Avenue / Strathern Road / Fairfield Road.

For further information contact (01382) 433168.

Director of City Development

NB I have asked the Council to postpone starting this road resurfacing on Sunday 29 June as it's also Gala Day in The Ferry.

Parked Cars Obstructing Approach at the Bridge

Once again residents have drawn my attention to the row of four vehicles almost permanently parked at the corner of West Queen Street and Dundee Road in The Ferry. 

In the picture you can see that two of the parked vehicles are hard by the approach to the railway bridge and, depending on your direction of approach, the view of the direction signs to The Ferry is partly obstructed. Two or three of these vehicles seem to be semi-permanently parked there, carry extensive advertising.

I understand from the Council's Transportation Department, that parking restrictions in Broughty Ferry are to be reviewed, later this year. I hope that this review will lead to some yellow lines close to the bridge junction to stop drivers sight lines being obstructed by those cars parked closest to the bridge.

Taxi Cab Parked Irresponsibly on Approach to Central Broughty Ferry

Residents have complained to me about the irresponsible long term parking of a black taxi cab right up to the junction of Dundee Road and West Queen Street in Broughty Ferry. 

They are concerned about the obstruction to sight lines for folk driving east from Dundee into The Ferry. As they turn off the main road over the railway bridge, towards Brook Street and central Broughty Ferry, their view of the road is obstructed.

Driving from the Ferry over the railway bridge towards the junction, the Cab appears to be turning the corner ahead rather than being parked.

Another source of complaint is that the cab is parked in a row of vehicles which might appear to be all parked in this prominent position to display their advertisements. As these advertisement on wheels are apparently 'mobile', they apparently evade the controls which apply to advertisements that might appear on a fixed site such as a billboard. But these advertisements on wheels are, for many folk, an unwelcome intrusion.

I have passed on my constituents' concerns to the Licensing Department of the City Council and asked them to use their powers and influence to get the vehicle shifted from its current location. I have also asked the City Development Department to sparingly insert double yellow lines to make it easier to keep this corner clear in future.

Dropped Cast Iron Drain Covers on Dundee Road Need Fixing

On the drive from Broughty Ferry to Dundee along the Dundee Road, I have noticed a number of clunks as my car drives over significant depressions in the road surface.  My bumpy ride in this instance, is caused by three dropped drain covers which are roughly in a line close to the junction of Dundee Road and Ralston Road on the southern carriageway.

Rather like pot holes, if dropped street ironwork is not sorted out, our car journeys can make for an uncomfortable ride and at worst they can cause damage to tyres and wheels.

I first reported these dropped drain covers two months ago. My picture shows a significant depression in the road but more ominously,  I noticed stress fractures in the surrounding tarmac which will only get worse when snow and ice get into them over the winter.

I think it's more than time this was sorted out by the Roads Partnership.

Brown Bins in The Ferry Not Emptied on Friday

Some residents in the streets close to my home have complained to me that their Brown recycling bin for garden waste has not been emptied on the programmed day. 

According to the timetable, Friday 19 October was a day to put the Brown Bins out. Looking into this. it would appear that this has affected households in Dundee Road, East Home Street and Home Street.

Residents and I, wonder when their brown bins will be emptied and whether these few streets have been missed out or are the Cleansing staff just behind with this collection? Either way, they are wondering whether these bins will be emptied tomorrow? 

I have written to the Director of the Environment Department alerting him to this issue and asking that it is resolved.

Jungle in Beach Lane Pathway Must Be Cleared and the Path Should be Upgraded

I have received three recent complaints from constituents about the state of the Beach Lane pathway which runs from Dundee Road over the railway footbridge to the coastal pathway at Grassy Beach. 

One of the constituents was out for a walk last week and observed that 

"I found it (the path) to be in a terrible state with grass, nettles, brambles etc and, determined to get to the bridge, I struggled through but found it a very unpleasant experience and ended up with a few nettle stings and muddy feet into the bargain." 

I checked the core paths map produced by the Council which confirms that the Beach Lane pathway is clearly indicated on the West Ferry map of core paths; so this is recognised as an important pathway.

I have written to the the Environment Department and asked them arrange for the brambles, nettles and other plants blocking the path to be cut back and removed.

This pathway will become the main access route to the coastal pathway from the Ferry end, when work to upgrade the eastern end of the raised coastal walkway/cyclepath is undertaken.  I think therefore that Beach Lane also deserves some improvement, especially drainage where surface water collects and makes the underfoot conditions muddy. 

I have also written to the Transportation Department to request that the surface of this pathway should be treated to get rid of the muddy patches where the surface water currently collects. This will necessarily take more time to schedule than the cutting back of the overhanging plants and shrubs.

Quest to Correct Open Street Map Covering Dundee Road in Broughty Ferry

Click on map to enlarge

In 2009 I took up a mapping error with Google Maps, which wrongly labelled the section of Dundee Road where I live as Brook Street. Two years later I was able to report that my suggested changes had been incorporated into Google Maps. This seemed like job eventually done. At last taxis and parcel deliveries didn't need elaborate directions.


Yesterday, I was referred to Open Street Map who provide free access to world wide maps down to street level. When I checked their website, the same error I had detected in Google Maps three years ago was evident in their maps - see above. Since Open Street Map provide maps for a number of organisations and websites, I wrote to them to point out the error and hoped a member of their not for profit community would make the change in less than 20 months. Imagine my delight to receive an email twenty minutes later to say the change had been accepted and was already visible online. 


When my issue with Google Maps was publicised in 2009, I was teased by a number of my Councillor colleagues who offered to lead me back home in their cars if I couldn't manage without a sat-nav. Of course I took this in good part; but having an online mapping error affecting your street is really no joking matter in an age when so many commercial deliveries, businesses and individuals rely on online mapping.

Councillor Calls for a Clean Sweep in The Ferry

While British Summer Time began at 1am on Sunday morning, the gulleys of the Street outside my home were still choked by the accumulated grit and sand from the winter road treatment and rubbish swept to the side of the road by vehicle movements. However I fare in the forthcoming elections, I think I made a clean sweep of these gulleys on Sunday afternoon!


This does however beg the question about the frequency of road sweeping in The Ferry. I know many constituents are frustrated by the apparent lack of service in Central Broughty Ferry.


I have taken this up with the Environment Department to try to pin them down about the frequency of service that residents should expect in return for their Council Tax. The best that can be said about the current state of the gulleys is that constituents can see that their Councillor receives no special treatment in his Street!

Ferry Google Map Difficulty Should be a Laughing Matter no More

In Autumn 2009 I received some complaints about inaccuracies in Google online maps of Dundee Road in Broughty Ferry.  When residents like me checked our addresses on Google Maps, up came a map with Brook Street apparently extending past our front doors. No wonder drivers seeking directions on their sat navs or making deliveries were confused. 

In October 2009, I contacted Tele Atlas who produce maps for Google Maps and many Sat Nav sytems to let them know that there was this error on their mapping in central Broughty Ferry. 

When word about this appeared in the local press, some Councillors joked about whether I could find my way home after Council meetings without my sat nav. One Broughty Councillor even invited me to drive behind his car so he might guide me back to Broughty Ferry. 

Behind the jokes however there is a serious issue. So many of us rely on satellite navigation and online maps that when they contain inaccuracies this can have significant consequences such as getting lost or deliveries going astray.

So I was very pleased in May this year when I received news from Tele Atlas confirming that: 

'Based on a review of your report, we can now confirm that the change you suggested has been made. It will go out in the next release of our map database. .... Thanks again for your willingness to help keep Tele Atlas maps up-to-date and accurate!'

They did however explain that:
'Tele Atlas supplies maps to the companies that make devices or applications, not directly to the people who use them. We update the map we supply, so these companies can incorporate the map update in their own systems. When this process is complete, your change will be made available to you.'

After checking from time to time to see if the change had appeared online, I was delighted just before Christmas when I found that Google Maps had at last been updated.

If any other residents in The Ferry are experiencing difficulties with errors in online mapping in their area, they can contact me and I should be happy to take this up for them and I guarantee I won't treat it as a joke.

Santa Can Find Full Length of Dundee Road on Google Maps!

It is rumoured that Santa may be modernising his operation. If he is using Sat Nav to help guide his sleigh tonight, an update to online maps has come just in time time for a section of Dundee Road.

In October 2009, I contacted Tele Atlas who produce maps for Google Maps and many Sat Nav sytems to let them know that there was an error on their mapping in central Broughty Ferry. 


As a resident of Dundee Road, I had received residents' complaints about this issue. When I checked our shared postcode on Google Maps, up came a map with Brook Street apparently extending past our front doors. No wonder drivers seeking directions on their sat navs or making deliveries were confused.  

In May this year there was promising news from Tele Atlas confirming that 

"Based on a review of your report, we can now confirm that the change you suggested has been made. It will go out in the next release of our map database. .... Thanks again for your willingness to help keep Tele Atlas maps up-to-date and accurate!"


They did however explain that:
"Tele Atlas supplies maps to the companies that make devices or applications, not directly to the people who use them. We update the map we supply, so these companies can incorporate the map update in their own systems. When this process is complete, your change will be made available to you."


After checking from time to time to see if the change had appeared online, I was delighted this week to find that Google Maps had at last been updated.


Those Councillors who jokingly wondered whether I could find my way home after Council meetings without my sat nav will be relieved to know that I won't need any more of their directions.


If any other residents in The Ferry are experiencing difficulties with errors in online mapping in their area, they can contact me and I should be happy to take this up for them. 


Let's get all of Broughty Ferry properly mapped online; we can't have Santa delayed by dodgy mapping.