'Reckless' threat to bridge

RECKLESS motorists are threatening public safety and the long-term viability of Kirkcudbright Bridge, a councillor has warned. Dee and Glenkens Councillor Dougie Campbell hit out this week after viewing shocking pictures online - above- of a blue pick-up car towing a horse trailer ignoring traffic restrictions – and driving over the bridge’s public footpath. Photos of the recent incident were published on the Dumfries and Galloway Police Scotland Facebook page on October 31 with an appeal for information. Kirkcudbright Bridge was closed earlier this year due to structural issues, and it was reopened in July with restrictions – a three-tonne weight limit. However, there have been numerous reports of some drivers blatantly ignoring safety restrictions and driving heavy vehicles over the weak bridge. Work is ongoing by Dumfries and Galloway Council for the construction of a replacement bridge in the coming years. But, Cllr Campbell has warned that there could be serious consequences before then. Speaking at the council’s economy and infrastructure committee on Tuesday, he said: “I very much appreciate that there’s a lot of work going on now to scope out the new bridge. “But I’m concerned that a threat to progress is the long-term viability of using the current bridge. There was an incident last week where a large vehicle pulling a trailer made its way onto the footpath area across the bridge which is used by school children, cyclists, old people walking into the town. “And if the unthinkable happened and that vehicle had collided with the side wall of the bridge, we could end up a situation where that bridge is having to close. “I’m aware that we’re waiting for permanent traffic lights to be put in place, which hopefully will resolve that, but I’d just be interested to hear what can be done to ensure any threat to the current bridge is managed.” He added: “The incident that took place last week was pretty shocking, so it’s a concern that if the bridge were to close for whatever reason for repairs etc, it is a major threat to the economic and social side of life in Kirkcudbright.” Karen Brownlie, the council’s interim assistant director of transport and infrastructure, said: “I was fairly shocked, like I’m sure everyone was, to see the photos last week in terms of the vehicle and the trailer positioned on the on the pedestrian side of the bridge.” She added: “It’s our understanding that the vehicle was having difficulty crossing the bridge because the restrictions are for no trailers. “They were then met with oncoming traffic, so therefore forced the ballards down so that they could get out the way. “We need to ensure that can’t happen again. So the team are currently considering that.”