With the Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) and Destiny Bridge opening imminent, the village of Rait in the Carse of Gowrie is bracing for a significant surge in traffic. Residents fear their quiet roads will become a rat-run for motorists bypassing Perth city centre to connect between Dundee and the A9. They are now publicly calling on Perth and Kinross Council to implement promised traffic calming measures, specifically a 40mph speed limit, before the CTLR opens on March 31st. \n
The community’s anxieties stem from traffic projections indicating a near tripling of vehicle volume on Rait Road. While acknowledging the CTLR’s potential to alleviate Perth’s congestion, Rait residents argue the council’s inaction on the promised speed reduction poses a serious safety risk. They anticipate a surge in accidents and near misses if traffic speeds aren’t controlled before the new road opens, turning their village into what some are calling a ‘Rait run’. \nBroken Promises Fuel Frustration\n
Rait Community Association Vice-Chairperson Graham Nicholson expressed his disappointment, stating the council hasn’t delivered on assurances given years ago. He recounted promises of signage, traffic mitigation strategies, and crucially, a reduced speed limit throughout the High Carse area, encompassing the route from the A90 through the Carse to the A94 near Scone. With the CTLR opening just days away, the absence of these measures is causing significant alarm. \n
Adding to the community’s frustration is the perception that the council has been aware of these concerns for an extended period. Mr. Nicholson highlighted that residents have repeatedly raised the issue of increased traffic volume and speed. He believes appropriate signage, clearly indicating that the route is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), is essential to deter drivers from using the area as a shortcut. He also stressed the importance of a lower speed limit to improve pedestrian safety and reduce the risk of accidents in Rait’s residential areas. \nCouncil Urged to Act Swiftly\n
Local councillors have also joined residents in demanding action. Labour Councillor Alasdair Bailey emphasized that the planned 40mph limit should cover the entire stretch of road from the A90 junction in the Carse through to the A94 near Scone. He underscored that even the council’s own traffic models project a significant uptick in traffic volume on this route as drivers seek alternative pathways to circumvent the heavily congested Inveralmond and Broxden roundabouts. Councillor Bailey stressed the importance of prompt action, urging the council to implement the agreed-upon speed limits to protect local communities. \n
Conservative Councillor Angus Forbes echoed Councillor Bailey’s sentiments and condemned the unfulfilled promises made to the people of the Carse of Gowrie. For three years, he has consistently sought updates and received reassurances about the progress of these mitigations. The fact that they are still not in place just days before the CTLR’s grand opening is deeply concerning to him and the people he represents. He called this failure to deliver on a promise unacceptable and urged the council to rectify the situation immediately. \nCouncil Cites Unexpected Delays\n
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson responded to the criticism, stating that a project to enhance walking and cycling infrastructure in the Carse of Gowrie, including Rait, is ongoing. While the council intended to finalize this before the CTLR launch, they explained the statutory consultation period for the necessary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has taken significantly longer than initially projected. They clarified that this TRO must be legally in effect before any new road signs can be erected as part of the broader infrastructure enhancements. The council aims to install the 40mph speed limit signs as quickly as possible once the TRO is finalized and comes into force. \n
Local businesses in the Carse of Gowrie are also watching the situation closely. The increased traffic predicted by the council could have a mixed impact on trade. While some businesses anticipate a boost in passing trade from motorists on the Rait Road, others worry about the consequences for the village’s charm and tranquillity. They hope that any increase in traffic volume will be managed carefully to mitigate negative impacts on the local environment and resident’s quality of life. Community leaders are planning to meet with local business owners in the coming weeks to discuss their concerns and explore ways to cooperate with the council to find suitable solutions. This engagement will likely focus on ensuring that Rait maintains its unique character and attractiveness while accommodating the inevitable changes brought about by the CTLR’s opening. \n
The completion of the CTLR is a landmark moment for Perth and Kinross, promising easier travel and potential economic benefits. However, it’s essential that the needs and concerns of smaller communities like Rait are not overlooked. The implementation of a 40mph speed limit, along with other traffic calming measures, is vital to ensure that the positive impacts of the CTLR are felt throughout Perth and Kinross, without compromising the safety and well-being of local residents. \n
With the opening date fast approaching, Rait residents and local councillors are hoping for a swift resolution to their concerns. The implementation of the promised speed limit is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and preserving the quiet character of their village in the face of increased traffic. \n
Community members plan to monitor the traffic situation closely following the CTLR opening and continue to advocate for traffic management solutions that prioritize the well-being and safety of Rait’s residents. They intend to work constructively with the council to find balanced and effective strategies that accommodate the CTLR’s traffic flow while preserving their village’s peaceful environment. \n
Local residents have called a meeting at the Rait Hall next Tuesday evening to discuss their plans further. \n
The community’s anxieties stem from traffic projections indicating a near tripling of vehicle volume on Rait Road. While acknowledging the CTLR’s potential to alleviate Perth’s congestion, Rait residents argue the council’s inaction on the promised speed reduction poses a serious safety risk. They anticipate a surge in accidents and near misses if traffic speeds aren’t controlled before the new road opens, turning their village into what some are calling a ‘Rait run’. \nBroken Promises Fuel Frustration\n
Rait Community Association Vice-Chairperson Graham Nicholson expressed his disappointment, stating the council hasn’t delivered on assurances given years ago. He recounted promises of signage, traffic mitigation strategies, and crucially, a reduced speed limit throughout the High Carse area, encompassing the route from the A90 through the Carse to the A94 near Scone. With the CTLR opening just days away, the absence of these measures is causing significant alarm. \n
Adding to the community’s frustration is the perception that the council has been aware of these concerns for an extended period. Mr. Nicholson highlighted that residents have repeatedly raised the issue of increased traffic volume and speed. He believes appropriate signage, clearly indicating that the route is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), is essential to deter drivers from using the area as a shortcut. He also stressed the importance of a lower speed limit to improve pedestrian safety and reduce the risk of accidents in Rait’s residential areas. \nCouncil Urged to Act Swiftly\n
Local councillors have also joined residents in demanding action. Labour Councillor Alasdair Bailey emphasized that the planned 40mph limit should cover the entire stretch of road from the A90 junction in the Carse through to the A94 near Scone. He underscored that even the council’s own traffic models project a significant uptick in traffic volume on this route as drivers seek alternative pathways to circumvent the heavily congested Inveralmond and Broxden roundabouts. Councillor Bailey stressed the importance of prompt action, urging the council to implement the agreed-upon speed limits to protect local communities. \n
Conservative Councillor Angus Forbes echoed Councillor Bailey’s sentiments and condemned the unfulfilled promises made to the people of the Carse of Gowrie. For three years, he has consistently sought updates and received reassurances about the progress of these mitigations. The fact that they are still not in place just days before the CTLR’s grand opening is deeply concerning to him and the people he represents. He called this failure to deliver on a promise unacceptable and urged the council to rectify the situation immediately. \nCouncil Cites Unexpected Delays\n
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson responded to the criticism, stating that a project to enhance walking and cycling infrastructure in the Carse of Gowrie, including Rait, is ongoing. While the council intended to finalize this before the CTLR launch, they explained the statutory consultation period for the necessary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has taken significantly longer than initially projected. They clarified that this TRO must be legally in effect before any new road signs can be erected as part of the broader infrastructure enhancements. The council aims to install the 40mph speed limit signs as quickly as possible once the TRO is finalized and comes into force. \n
Local businesses in the Carse of Gowrie are also watching the situation closely. The increased traffic predicted by the council could have a mixed impact on trade. While some businesses anticipate a boost in passing trade from motorists on the Rait Road, others worry about the consequences for the village’s charm and tranquillity. They hope that any increase in traffic volume will be managed carefully to mitigate negative impacts on the local environment and resident’s quality of life. Community leaders are planning to meet with local business owners in the coming weeks to discuss their concerns and explore ways to cooperate with the council to find suitable solutions. This engagement will likely focus on ensuring that Rait maintains its unique character and attractiveness while accommodating the inevitable changes brought about by the CTLR’s opening. \n
The completion of the CTLR is a landmark moment for Perth and Kinross, promising easier travel and potential economic benefits. However, it’s essential that the needs and concerns of smaller communities like Rait are not overlooked. The implementation of a 40mph speed limit, along with other traffic calming measures, is vital to ensure that the positive impacts of the CTLR are felt throughout Perth and Kinross, without compromising the safety and well-being of local residents. \n
With the opening date fast approaching, Rait residents and local councillors are hoping for a swift resolution to their concerns. The implementation of the promised speed limit is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and preserving the quiet character of their village in the face of increased traffic. \n
Community members plan to monitor the traffic situation closely following the CTLR opening and continue to advocate for traffic management solutions that prioritize the well-being and safety of Rait’s residents. They intend to work constructively with the council to find balanced and effective strategies that accommodate the CTLR’s traffic flow while preserving their village’s peaceful environment. \n
Local residents have called a meeting at the Rait Hall next Tuesday evening to discuss their plans further. \n