East Renfrewshire Council is set to receive £128,000 from the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Improvement Fund as part of a national effort to reduce road casualties.

A total of £10m will be allocated through the fund, split amongst Scotland’s 32 local authorities, with the aim of “lowering risks and reducing casualties on local roads.”

An additional £4 million will fund initiatives to protect pedestrians and cyclists across Scotland through the roll out of 20mph speed limits. A 20mph Implementation Guide has been made available to local authorities.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Road safety is a top priority for the Scottish Government, which is why we are making a record investment of £36 million this financial year toward initiatives that reduce road casualties.

“This £14 million investment underlines our commitment to helping our road safety partners implement schemes that protect the public. I’m pleased to see all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities receive this support as we work toward our ambitious safety goals.

“The release of our 20mph Implementation Guide will help local authorities introduce lower speed limits consistently across Scotland, creating safer streets for everyone.

“Our goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030 is unwavering. I am resolute in my determination to save lives and ensure a safer Scotland for all.”

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "The council has identified a range of projects to be delivered using our allocation from the Road Safety Improvement Fund for 2024/25. These include junction upgrades, pavement and island widening, speed limit reduction measures and build outs to improve sight lines. 

"The aims of these projects are: simplifying junction layouts for all classes of road user; improving visibility at junctions; shortening crossing distances for pedestrians; prevention of parking in junction visibility splays; and suppression of traffic speeds in built-up areas. The above programme aligns to Scotland's Road Safety Framework to 2030."

There have been a number of road related incidents in East Renfrewshire in recent years, including the tragic death of an 86-year-old man who died on May 23 after being hit by a car at Clarkston Toll.