Concerns about the safety of a busy Tranent road have been raised by members of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council.

Tranent Mains Road, which links Sandersons Wynd to the A198, was discussed at a meeting of the community council last Tuesday (March 21).

Robert McNeill, community councillor, raised concerns that “a number of cars” were not slowing down on the road, which takes a sharp turn in the middle of the road.

Mr McNeill said: “The road has been an issue for quite some time. It is a 40mph speed limit and cars seem to approach that bend thinking they can go at 40mph and there have been several cars recently coming off the road.

“There are no barriers up, and it is a grass verge next to it. My concern is that a car is going to come off and end up in a ditch and not seen. The road is dangerous”

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Mike Falconer, chair, asked what it was proposed the community council do about this issue.

He said: “This has been a known issue for some time. I understand that the council has been testing differing speed limits in Tranent recently.

“Perhaps we should write to the council to enquire about safety measures being put in place such as a change in speed limit at the turn, more signage or even barriers to prevent cars going off the road at the turn?”

Colin McGinn, ward councillor for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, added: “I understand that people may be concerned by this.

“But at the end of the day, it is about drivers being responsible.

“We have to remember that the 40mph speed limit is a maximum speed. Drivers need to be able to judge when to slow down for a bend.

“You are taught these things when you learn to drive and this seems a lot of intervention to ask people to do what they are supposed to do on the road.

“The road is only difficult for people who don’t do what they are supposed to do.”

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Mr Falconer agreed to contact the council to discuss the issue further and work on a possible solution.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Following the introduction of temporary 20mph speed limits during Covid the council undertook a review of our speed limit policy.

“There is a section on how groups can request speed limit changes.

“Reviews of existing speed limits across the network shall generally be undertaken every few years, or where circumstances have changed.

“A county wide review was undertaken in 2022 so there are currently no plans to undertake any further unless there are some significant changes.

“It is essential that any changes to speed limits should have widespread community support and, as such, should there be any concerns between routine review periods, these should be highlighted through the community council, Area Partnership or local councillor.”