Local wards

There is a request for more 20mph Speed Signs on route along from Hanover Square junction on Lewis St -left at roundabout – and to the top of Sun Street.

I am surprised there has not been any reported accidents already.

A 20mph speed limit was implemented by our Council based on population size, as a pilot in August 2023.

A temporary traffic data survey was undertaken at 10 sites, to measure the speed of vehicles in April 2024, on average a reduction of 3mph compared with pre implementation mean speeds.  The mean recorded speed over 7 days on Agnew Crescent was 23.5mph.

After 18 months of the pilot – it will be advertised as permanent and then we can look at further signs being added where required/issues identified. 

When 20mph becomes permanent, our Council will look at putting extra 20mph solar powered Vehicle Activated Signs on Agnew Crescent.

Agnew Crescent is not currently an area with accident statistics. Areas where there are accidents involving casualties is where budgets and Police Scotland resources can be focussed.

Police Scotland provided statistics in relation to reports made between 01/04/2024 and 12/11/2024, at Agnew Crescent, Market Street, Sheuchan Street and the 3 car parks at Breastworks, Agnew Park and Millburn.  The figures showed that there were 13 reports during this period with 4 drivers warned, 1 vehicle seized, and 2 other offences detected.  Warning letters were also sent in relation to anti-social behaviour.

The damage was to the playpark in Agnew Park not the bus shelter.  Police Scotland have already requested on 23/10/2024, a review of the location of the bus shelter.

Community Planning and Engagement will open discussions with other council services to try to find a solution.

Legislation in Car parks is not enforceable at present but our Council are in the process of developing/ advertising a new Parking Places Order to allow some enforcement for Council car parks in Dumfries and Galloway and this should be coming out next year with new signage in these car parksThis will allow for drivers to be dealt with who do not park in a designated parking space or sit with their engines running.  Council staff will have the powers to deal with these offences under the terms of Roads Service: Traffic regulations Orders (Various Vehicle Parking Spaces) (Used and Waiting Restrictions) Parking Places Order 2023

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service/ D&G Road Safety Partnership regularly give Road Safety Presentations in Schools to 5th and 6th Year Students which includes road safety and passenger safety and information around anti-social behaviours. This is delivered across Dumfries and Galloway.

Police Scotland explained the inputs they already provide in Schools to young drivers regularly as well as carrying out winter road safety inputs with young drivers. This includes joint work with SFRS.  There is ongoing engagement with young drivers throughout the year.  An example of that was the large scale Dumfries and Galloway Road Safety Partnership event at the Cults at Castle Kennedy in 2023.

Our Council Staff (Community Safety) and Police Scotland regularly liaise with each other in relation to any vandalism issues within the park, and will continue to do so.

Youthwork Dumfries and Galloway will do some further outreach work with local residents, Police Scotland, Drivers and Car Park Users in Spring 2025 to inform them of the nuisance being caused and potential dangers and legal issues that may impact upon drivers and their families.  Youthwork Dumfries and Galloway will also try to encourage drivers to congregate in the Port Rodie Car park which does not have any residents just as close by. 

Police Scotland have led on an Action Plan in 2023 and 2024 which was specifically focused on the Agnew Park area focusing on engagement, encouragement, education and as a last resort enforcement.  There is no easy solution to an ongoing problem that occurs every year when young people start driving.

Youthwork Dumfries and Galloway highlighted that not all the drivers are young people.

Youthwork Dumfries and Galloway along with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will investigate putting together a video regarding the dangers of anti-social behaviour and Road Safety issues using social media including TikTok to raise awareness.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also engages with young people through Youth Justice referrals and from the 8 sessions held in 2024 so far there have been no re-offenders.

Police Scotland agreed to liaise with existing Driving Instructors with a view to including in driver training around the anti-social behaviour/ legal issues regarding loud music in cars etc.

The local community would like the Council to look at better Lighting in Agnew Park so that existing CCTV Camera’s can pick up images more clearly at night

Ask the Council if its possible to fund another CCTV to cover Marine Lake Car Park

We will open discussions with other council services and Police Scotland to try to find a solution.

Police Scotland explained that there is CCTV coverage but poor lighting.  They also explained that there are numerous areas in Stranraer and across the region that are all asking for more CCTV.  Cllr Scobie highlighted the cost implications to DGC are considerable.