Ward Event – Road Safety in Port William, 22 May 2025

Residents and community representatives joined Councillor Katie Hagmann, Councillor David Inglis, Tony Topping (Team Leader – Network Strategy and Road Safety), Jennifer Burns (Ward Project Officer) and Melinda Dolan (Ward Officer – Mid Galloway and Wigtown West) to discuss road safety issues in Port William.

The event was proposed by Jacqueline Crowther on behalf of Port William and District Community Council following concerns raised through Local Place Plan consultation activities. The discussion focused on road safety, parking and traffic management issues within the village.

Ward Events give local people the opportunity to engage directly with their elected members, council officers and partners to discuss matters that are important to their communities.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.

For more information, or to discuss this note, contact:

Melinda Dolan, Ward Officer – Mid Galloway and Wigtown West

Email: [email protected]

Overview of community concerns

The community raised concerns about:

vehicles travelling at excessive speeds through the village
parking issues, particularly on Church Street and South Street
condition and maintenance of the village roundabout
availability of electric vehicle charging facilities
need for additional traffic calming measures and a permanent 20mph speed limit
impact of diversion routes from the A75 on local residents

Open discussion

Road safety in Port William

	You said	We are doing… or we can’t because…
1	Speeding is a concern and there is not enough police enforcement.	The Local Roads Authority is responsible for managing parking and traffic on the local road network, including speed limits, road safety improvements and traffic calming measures. Enforcement of speed limits, traffic laws and restrictions is the responsibility of Police Scotland. We have noted concerns about the lack of police presence and will highlight these to Police Scotland. Residents are encouraged to report speeding concerns directly to Police Scotland. Speed cameras are operated by the Police Scotland Safety Camera Unit, which selects locations based on injury collision data across Scotland.
2	Parking is causing problems in Church Street and South Street.	We will carry out a site visit to investigate local parking issues. Suggestions including a one-way system, lined parking bays, double yellow lines and disabled parking provision will be considered. Concerns about vehicles parking on junctions will be raised with Police Scotland. We are also progressing an application for Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, which would allow the council to enforce certain parking offences once approved by Transport Scotland.
3	The roundabout requires maintenance.	Concerns have been referred to the Local Roads Office (West). We have asked officers to provide an update to Port William and District Community Council.
4	There is a need for electric vehicle charging points in Port William.	We have asked the Transport and Operations Manager to provide an update on the rollout of EV charging infrastructure and discuss potential locations in Port William with the Community Council. Issues relating to planning permission will also be considered as part of our wider work towards net zero objectives.
5	Traffic calming measures are needed, including a 20mph limit, speed bumps and working speed-activated signs.	Following the council's 20mph Speed Limit and Traffic Calming Policy, temporary 20mph limits have already been introduced in the region's largest towns. Further rollout will be prioritised based on population size, with Port William considered as part of the programme. Ward Members and the Community Council will be consulted during the design process. Current regulations no longer require physical measures such as speed bumps to support 20mph speed limits. The council's policy also recognises challenges including installation costs, maintenance requirements and community support. The Vehicle Activated Sign on the A747 Main Street is due to be replaced in early June 2025. We will also investigate extending the operating hours of the flashing 20mph school sign until 8pm. We have noted the community's willingness to support funding applications for future traffic calming measures.
6	Diversions from the A75 are impacting residents and causing noise issues.	We will raise concerns about advance notification of planned A75 closures with AMEY and ask them to explain their current communication process. We will also request that Port William and District Community Council is included in discussions relating to the ongoing review of diversion routes. Concerns about overnight lorry parking and engine noise near residential properties will also be shared with AMEY, along with a suggestion that they engage with haulage and ferry operators to raise awareness of the issue.

Actions agreed

We will:

raise concerns regarding speeding and enforcement with Police Scotland
investigate parking issues in Church Street and South Street
seek an update on maintenance of the village roundabout
continue discussions around EV charging provision in Port William
investigate traffic calming measures and improvements to existing speed-activated signage
raise concerns about A75 diversion routes and communication arrangements with AMEY

Evaluation form feedback

Twelve people attended the Ward Event and shared their views on road safety and traffic-related issues in Port William. Feedback received during the event has been used to inform the actions identified above and will support future engagement through the Port William and District Community Council Local Place Plan process.

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