Parkhouse Road, leading on to Darnley Road in Barrhead, is unsafe for pedestrians. 

People risk their safety when using this stretch of Parkhouse Road. All vehicles, including articulated lorries and other large vehicles (coaches, vans) use the road at all times of day and vehicles pass dangerously close to pedestrians. It is only a mater of time until a serious accident takes place. 

The road being unsafe cuts off local residents from using the wealth of local services available in Barrhead and prevents children attending school at Barrhead High School from being able to use a safe walking route.

As a local residents' association we are seeking to secure road improvements through Glasgow City Council.

Reasons why the road is unsafe:

• There is inadequate distance between the pedestrian pathway and the road, which is frequently used by articulated lorries and other large vehicles.
• The footpath is uneven, which increased the likelihood of trips and falls, potentially into the path of oncoming traffic. 
• The footpath is not wide enough for a wheelchair user or individual with a pram to walk safely and cannot be used unless walking in "single-file" - meaning there is no safe way to pass another footpath user without stepping into a busy road.
• The area to cross the road is obscured by overhanging branches/foliage. 
• The frequency of traffic means that the road is always busy, and crossing can require a long wait or vehicles voluntarily stopping to be able to cross safely. 
• There barrier between the exit/entrance to the Dams to Darnley country park and the road has been removed due to local works and not replaced, meaning children could potentially run from the park directly onto the road.
• The road discourages local active travel - it is a vital link route to nearby local services, which could be used more often by pedestrians to offer "greener" routes to traveling.

What we would like to see improved:

We are proposing that the following improvements be actioned, to improve road and pedestrian safety and enable use of the footpath. On the screenshot of the area the locations are highlighted.

• Improve the pathway beside the road so it is wider and level and add in safety barriers where suitable, from the roundabout down to where the road meets the boundary with the East Renfrewshire council area (where the pathway is significantly wider, safer and better maintained). (BLUE)
• Build a pedestrian crossing. (ORANGE)
• Reinstate a safety barrier at the end of the path out of the Dams to Darnley Park (this has been raised by the residents association with Scottish Water, as there was previously a barrier which was removed during the major water works and which has never been replaced). (YELLOW)

We are seeking the input of people from the wider local area in support of our aim and also keen to hear of any other ideas to improve road safety locally.

We want local residents to be able to make better use of the parks, shops, and other businesses easily within walking distance of our homes and for the road's safety to be improved, reducing the chance of a serious accident.

***Update July 2025: Following overhead line works during spring, the area has deteriorated further. A walkaround with one of the local councillors has been arranged for August.***

Missing barrier

Crossing area

Footpath