New concerns over lorries using Loch Long road

The A814 beside Loch Long is marked as unsuitable for heavy vehicles

A councillor has asked officials to help ensure that the A814 between Garelochhead and Arrochar is not used as an alternative route by HGVs in severe weather.

A report revealed that the A817 Haul Road through Glen Fruin is one of four routes across Argyll and Bute where there will be signs to inform drivers of any hazardous conditions.

However Cllr Mark Irvine sought assurance that the narrow A814 beside Loch Long would not be used, citing the effects of recent accidents at Luss.

In a report to the environment, development and infrastructure committee, executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “In specific locations additional information and diversion signing will be erected to further inform drivers of the hazardous conditions on some routes and advise them of alternative routes where available resources will concentrate on maintaining treatments.

“There are four roads where signing to indicate specific alternative routes are available.”

One of the routes is listed as the A817 Haul Road, with snow gates at the A82 and A814 ‘central’ roundabout.

It is indicated that a diversion will be from A818 at Arden to the A814 at Garelochhead.

Cllr Irvine said: “The significant road traffic accidents in the Luss area have once again raised the issue of the suitability of the A814 up to Arrochar being used as a diversion for HGVs.

“What assurance can we take that signage will be used to minimise HGVs and coaches using the route, because that road is barely two vehicles wide?

“We have had constant problems, especially this summer with the two accidents. What is the approach to looking at the diversional impact?”

Head of roads and amenity services Jim Smith responded: “It is a good point and something we have worked with BEAR Scotland and the police about. The A814 is not suitable and there are signs saying it is not suitable.

“If there are accidents or wintry conditions the police would stop HGVs going there, but in reality there have been HGVs taking a quick diversion before anybody can get there.

“The diversion route does not include the A814; it is through to Stirling and then along to rejoin the A82.”

Cllr Irvine then said: “The issue is that with today’s satellite navigation systems, they do not flag things up; they just show a driver a route.

“That route gets busy and hemmed in – it is a recurring theme.”

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