B7048 Portencross Road: Survey and Hazard Identification
April 2014
.
To be read in conjunction with Portencross Road B7048 Pictorial Survey
This work starts at the 30mph sign at the entrance to West Kilbride and runs to the road end at Portencross Road
Unless otherwise stated, distances are measured to or from the near edge of a junction.
Interval Characterisation
Portencross Road runs east–west through a recreational and agricultural and area. This survey starts at the national speed limit sign at West Kilbride and runs to the end of the B7048 at
Portencross, an interval of 2.9km / 1.8 miles. It is a very narrow, single-lane rural road, 4.2m – 5.2m wide, and under 5m for about ½ its length (the short interval to the east of the A78 crossroads is
much wider, about 7m). It is sufficiently narrow usually to require slowing down when meeting an oncoming vehicle. Along its length up to the car park there are 12 accesses serving 2 farms and
about 22 residences, plus a further 6 accesses at Portencross serving about 12 residences. There are also about 20 field accesses.
Most of the lateral residential accesses are not conspicuous to approaching traffic; and many have reduced lines of sight when joining the B7048. Due to this and the carriageway narrowness, there
are few if any realistic overtaking opportunities.
The road is generally straight with a few bends and brows - except for the last 800 meters at Portencross which is bendy (and is more residential in nature, and sees many more pedestrians).
Road users include residents, farm traffic, and recreational users; the latter category comprises cyclists, walkers, and equestrian, as well as many visitors to Portencross – to the castle, for fishing,
or just for walking about. It is essentially a recreational and local access road. Flows are light but steady. There is a footway the full length of the road from West Kilbride to Portencross. There is a
car park at Portencross. Apart from the immediate vicinity of the A78 crossroads there is no street lighting.
Hazards and Risks
These are ranked according to the rationale set out in Support Package SP C3
Accident History
Refer to the Summary Maps, which show individual injury accidents over 17 years (23 years for the accident cluster at the crossroads). The accidents are categorised according to the severity of
injuries suffered – slight, serious or fatal. Accident cluster sites are obvious from this map, and there is a clear correlation between these and identified Hazard Areas.
++
Survey and Hazard Identification
Portencross Road from 30 mph sign at West Kilbride to Road-End
at Portencross
Road type and
principal
characteristics
Road Widths
Road Usage
Junctions and
Accesses
Hazard Area, Contributing Factors, Margin for
Error, Hazard Area Ranking
The B7048 Portencross Road runs east – west
through a busy recreational and agricultural area.
This survey starts at the national speed limit sign at
West Kilbride and runs to the end of the B7048 at
Portencross - an interval of 2.9km / 1.8 miles. It
crosses the A78, and there are many lateral
accesses along its length; many of these are not
conspicuous to approaching traffic, and most also
have reduced lines of sight when joining the B7048.
Hazard Area 1: The B7048 / A78 Crossroads
The carriageway is generally very narrow, and there
are no realistic overtaking opportunities.
The hazard and risk levels assigned are Level 9,
Severe
It is not a through road (it ends at Portencross,
Photo 36) and traffic is generally light; this is
reflected in the accident record, which is significantly
less than West Kilbride’s other rural roads.
The status of the junction as Give Way is
highlighted as a concern.
This is a very narrow, single-lane rural B-road, 4.2m
– 5.2m wide, and generally under 5m; the short
interval to the east of the A78 crossroads is about
7m wide. It is sufficiently narrow usually to require
slowing down when meeting an oncoming vehicle.
Road users include residents, farm traffic, and
recreational users, which comprise cyclists, walkers,
and equestrian as well as many visitors to
Portencross – to the castle, for fishing, or just for
walking about. It is essentially a recreational and
local access road. Flows are light but steady.
Along its length there are 2 farm accesses and about
12 residence accesses, plus a further 8 at
Portencross. There are also about 20 field accesses
This is covered in the hazard management work for
the A78 interval from Portencross Road to
Highthorne.
This crossroads along with its A78 approaches is a
significant accident black-spot.
The Margin for Error is comparatively low.
The main recommendations are:
+ Reduce the A78 speed limit to 40mph, from the
existing national speed limit sign to 100 yards north
of Bogriggs Cottage;
+ Introduce a roundabout at the crossroads;
+ Establish a no overtaking interval from the
crossroads to 100yards north of Bogriggs Cottage;
and
+ Widen the bell-mouth at Bogriggs Cottage to give
adequate lines of sight.
++
Hazard Area 2: From the national speed limit sign
at West Kilbride to just west of the entrance to
Whinhurst
Refer to Photo Groups 1 - 13 (total of 31 photos)
Specific Contributing Factors
Portencross Road from 30 mph sign at West Kilbride to Road-End
at Portencross
Accidents
Accidents for the last 17 years are plotted on the
detail of the Ordnance Survey map.
Speed
Considerations
The national speed limit applies, 60mph for cars.
The mean speed was measured in July 2013 at 28
mph (22 vehicle transits).
Road contours
The road can be looked at in 3 segments



Road Signs on
Portencross
Road
From West Kilbride to the A78 crossroads,
it is wide, gently curving, and downhill;
From the crossroads to the turning to
Thirdpart, it is narrow, mainly straight, and
with some undulations;
West from the Thirdpart turning it remains
narrow, with minor undulations, and
becomes increasingly bendy – until the
final approaches to Portencross which are
quite bendy.
Road Signs from east to
west
Road Signs from
west to east
300 yards before the
crossroads is the National
Speed Limit sign
110 yards before
the west entrance to
Yonderfield Farm is
a left T-junction sign,
Reduce Speed Now
50 yards before the
crossroads is a Give Way
sign
At the crossroads is a
second Give Way sign
There is a white-on-blue
cycle sign (Route to be used
by Pedal Cyclists Only) on
the B7048 pointing along
Wildcat Road
100 yards before the east
access to Yonderfield Farm
32 yards before the
west access to
Yonderfield Farm is
an equestrian
warning sign
Hazard Area, Contributing Factors, Margin for
Error, Hazard Area Ranking
Singly and in combination:
+ the posted national speed limit (60mph for cars)
compared to a measured mean speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway west of the
A78 crossroads - see Ordnance Survey detail for
spot measurements
+ the significant level of tourist / recreational
traffic, much of which is unfamiliar with the road
+ the presence of recreational walkers
+ the presence of cyclists
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Wildcat Road is not conspicuous,
and it has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
(this is used only by farm traffic, cyclists and
pedestrians - and is presently unpassable for 4wheel vehicles due to a field ramp at its north end)
+ the east access to Yonderfield Farm has
restricted lines of sight along the B7048
+ the west access toYonderfield Farm is not
conspicuous when approaching form the east, and
it has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Garroch House is not conspicuous,
and it has restricted lines of sight along the B7048.
Margin for Error: generally Low
Hazard Area 2 Ranking: Level 7, Serious
++
At the crossroads is
a Give Way warning
sign
Hazard Area 3: From just west of the entrance to
Whinhurst along to Longitude 218125 East (after
the turning to Ardneil Farm)
About 300 yards
east of crossroads is
the West Kilbride
Refer to Photo Groups 14 – 22 (total of 26 photos)
Specific Contributing Factors
Portencross Road from 30 mph sign at West Kilbride to Road-End
at Portencross
is a T-junction Warning Sign,
Reduce Speed Now
60 yards before the west
access to Yonderfield Farm
is an equestrian warning
sign
town sign and the
30mph speed limit
sign
At west access to
Yonderfield Farm is a
Footpath to Shore sign
At the entrance to the farm
road to Thirdpart is a cyclists
warning sign
Hazard Area, Contributing Factors, Margin for
Error, Hazard Area Ranking
Singly and in combination:
+ the posted national speed limit (60mph for cars)
compared to a measured mean speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway - see
Ordnance Survey detail for spot measurements
+ the significant level of tourist / recreational traffic,
much of which is unfamiliar with the road
+ the presence of recreational walkers
+ the presence of cyclists
+ the presence of equestrians
Just after the access to
Mohr is a cyclists warning
sign.
+ the access to Thirdpart Road is not conspicuous,
and it has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
At Kirkfield House is a
Footpath to Shore sign
+ the access to Mhor (4 residences and the golf
course works access) is not conspicuous, and it
has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
60 yards from the Car Park
exit is an Equestrian
Warning Sign
+ the access to Kirkfield House is not conspicuous,
and it has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
At the entrance to
Portencross Car Park are 2
Ayrshire Coastal Path signs
and a pedestrian sign to
Portencross Castle
At the left exit to Castle is a
Portencross Castle
pedestrian sign
+ the access to Ardneil Farm is not conspicuous,
and it has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
+ intervals of the road are partially blind due to
bends
+ Occasional road-side telegraph poles feature
Margin for Error: generally low
Hazard Area 3 Ranking: Level 7 Serious
++
Road Markings
About half a century ago, double yellow were
painted on both sides of the road from the
crossroads to Portencross. These have become very
intermittent due to resurfacing work; and in places
where road widening has taken place, they are well
away from the carriageway edge. They may have
been partially redone (in places where there are
triple lines).
Hazard Area 4: From Longitude 218125 East to the
road-end at Portencross
Refer to Photo Groups 23 – 38 (total of 36 photos)
Specific Contributing Factors
Portencross Road from 30 mph sign at West Kilbride to Road-End
at Portencross
Road Markings from
east to west
Road Markings from
west to east
At the crossroads is a
Give Way triangle and
double broken line
across the junction
For about 50 yards
before the crossorads
there is a central hazard
warning line.
For about 50 yards
before the crossroads is
a central hazard warning
line
At crossroads is a
double broken line
across the junction.
Other Traffic
Calming
features
-
Road Lighting
Apart from the interval of road immediately west of
the A78, there is no street lighting.
Footways
Singly and in combination:
+ the posted national speed limit (60mph for cars)
compared to a measured mean speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway - see
Ordnance Survey detail for spot measurements
+ the combination of a long blind bend with
residential accesses (see below) which are not
conspicuous and have poor lines of sight
+ the significant level of tourist / recreational traffic,
much of which is unfamiliar with the road
+ the presence of recreational walkers, particularly
from the car park to the road end
+ the presence of cyclists
A footway the full length of the road from
Portencross to West Kilbride.
In a recent NAC safety assessment of pedestrian
routes to West Kilbride Primary School, crossing the
A78 at Portencross Road was deemed unsafe for
regular pedestrian use going to school, due to traffic
density and speed.
Provision for
Cyclists
Hazard Area, Contributing Factors, Margin for
Error, Hazard Area Ranking
There is a white-on-blue cycle sign (Route to be
used by Pedal Cyclists Only) on the B7048 pointing
along Wildcat Road. There are 2 cyclists warning
signs, one at the entrance to the farm road to
Thirdpart, and one just after the Mhor access..
There is no cycle way.
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Westpoint residence is not
conspicuous, and it has restricted lines of sight
along the B7048
+ the access to South Bank Coach House is not
conspicuous, and it has restricted lines of sight
along the B7048
+ the access to South Banks House is not
conspicuous coming from the east, and it has
restricted lines of sight along the B7048 looking
east
+ at the exit from Auldhill Cottage driveway, the
lines of sight along the B7048 are restricted looking
east.
+ the exit from Portencross Car Park has restricted
lines of sight
+ Road-side telegraph poles are a common feature
Margin for Error: Low
Provision for
Equestrian
There are equestrian warning signs (there is no
bridleway)
Hazard Area 4 Ranking: Level 8, Very Serious
Portencross Road from 30 mph sign at West Kilbride to Road-End
at Portencross
Car Parking
Working from east to west:


People going to the beach sometimes park
on the grass verge at the start of the road
to Thirdpart, then use the right of way
across the golf course by Mhor.
Beach users also park on the B7048 verge
just after the access to Ardneil Farm
Parking is discouraged on the roadways off the
B7048 to the west at these 2 locations.

Portencross has a good-sized car park
Hazard Area, Contributing Factors, Margin for
Error, Hazard Area Ranking
Risk Assessment
Hazard Area, Contributing Factors, Margin for Error,
Hazard Area Ranking
Possible Events
General Points
General Points
This is a rural B-road with mainly a Lower Tier function,
which is signposted with the national speed limit and has a
measured mean speed of 28 mph. The following questions
run through this risk assessment:
In general, the risk of an accident comes from the road
characteristics including the branch accesses, in conjunction
with driver behaviours, including speed, inattention, errors of
judgement.
+ Which interval of the road is suitable for the national
speed limit (60mph for cars, dropping to 40mph for heavy
trucks)?
Residents along Portencross Road have limited lines of sight
when joining the road. They frequently express the view that
a significant minority of vehicles regularly travel at excessive
speed on this narrow road. Cyclists and walkers must take
great care.
+ What will visitors unfamiliar with the road make of the
national speed limit sign – in daylight?, in darkness?
+ What speed would responsible drivers with local
knowledge use as they approach lateral hazards?
+ Do road marking s and signs send a consistent
message? And do they allow a margin for error?
Possible Outcomes
Hazard Area
Risk Level
Relative Likelihood
Manageability
Hazard Area
Risk Levels
vary.
Possible Outcomes and Relative
Likelihood vary - see each individual
Hazard Area
The
manageability is
generally
reported as High
- and without
heavy
expenditure.
Hazard Area 1: The B7048 / A78 Crossroads
This is covered in the hazard management work for the A78 interval from Portencross Road to Highthorne.
This crossroads along with its A78 approaches is a significant accident black-spot.
The Margin for Error is comparatively low.
The hazard and risk levels assigned are Level 9, Severe
The status of the junction as Give Way is highlighted as a concern.
The main recommendations are:
+ Reduce the A78 speed limit to 40mph, from the existing national speed limit sign to 100 yards north of Bogriggs Cottage;
+ Introduce a roundabout at the crossroads;
+ Establish a no overtaking interval from the crossroads to 100yards north of Bogriggs Cottage; and
+ Widen the bell-mouth at Bogriggs Cottage to give adequate lines of sight.
Hazard Area 2: From the national speed limit sign at West
Kilbride to just west of the entrance to Whinhurst
Refer to Photo Groups 1 - 13 (total of 31 photos)
Specific Contributing Factors
Singly and in combination:
+ the posted national speed limit (60mph for cars)
compared to a measured mean speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway west of the A78
crossroads - see Ordnance Survey detail for spot
measurements
+ the significant level of tourist / recreational traffic, much
of which is unfamiliar with the road
+ the presence of recreational walkers
+ the presence of cyclists
Possible Events centre on unfamiliar road users taking a
prompt from the national speed limit sign, travelling a bit too
fast along a narrow road with inconspicuous lateral accesses
where exiting traffic must encroach on the carriageway to
establish an adequate line of sight.
+ Fast-travelling east- or west-bound vehicle encounters
vehicle exiting from


one of the 2 Yonderfield Farm accesses, or
the Garroch residence access
+ Insufficient allowance is made by a road user when
meeting another road user – vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian,
equestrian; this would be compounded on a narrower interval
of carriageway.
Possible Outcomes
Any of these events could result in
collision, or swerve and running off the
road. Could involve other road
user(s), including farm vehicle,
pedestrian, cyclist, or other vehicle,
resulting in
Near miss, Injury , Death
Relative Likelihood
For the possible events shown, the
relative likelihood is categorised as
Medium.
Considering the
range of
hazards, the mix
of road users,
and the relative
likelihood of
outcomes, the
Area 2 Risk is
Level 7-,
Serious.
7- is assigned
as it is a
relatively quiet
road.
The
manageability
is high, and
without heavy
expenditure; see
Hazard
Management
and Mitigation
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Wildcat Road is not conspicuous, and it
has restricted lines of sight along the B7048 (this is used
only by farm traffic, cyclists and pedestrians - and is
presently unpassable for 4-wheel vehicles due to a field
ramp at its north end)
+ the east access to Yonderfield Farm has restricted lines
of sight along the B7048
+ the west access toYonderfield Farm is not conspicuous
when approaching form the east, and it has restricted lines
of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Garroch House is not conspicuous, and it
has restricted lines of sight along the B7048.
Margin for Error: generally Low
Hazard Area 2 Ranking: Level 7, Serious
Hazard Area 3: From just west of the entrance to
Whinhurst along to Longitude 218125 East (after the
turning to Ardneil Farm)
Refer to Photo Groups 14 – 22 (total of 26 photos)
Specific Contributing Factors
Singly and in combination:
+ the posted national speed limit (60mph for cars)
compared to a measured mean speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway - see Ordnance
Survey detail for spot measurements
+ the significant level of tourist / recreational traffic, much
of which is unfamiliar with the road
+ the presence of recreational walkers
+ the presence of cyclists
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Thirdpart Road is not conspicuous, and it
has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Mhor (4 residences and the golf course
As for Hazard Area 2, Possible Events centre on unfamiliar
road users taking a prompt from the national speed limit sign,
travelling a bit too fast along a narrow road with
inconspicuous lateral accesses where exiting traffic must
encroach on the carriageway to establish an adequate line of
sight.
+ Fast-travelling east- or west-bound vehicle encounters
vehicle exiting from




the farm road to Thirdpart
the Mhor access / works access to Golf Course
the Kirkfield House access
the Ardneil Farm access
+ Insufficient allowance is made by a road user when
meeting another road user – vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian,
equestrian; this would be compounded on a narrower interval
of carriageway.
+ Vehicle travelling too fast makes insufficient allowance for
the partially blind bend at Mhor or at Ardneil Farm / Kirkland
House accesses
Possible Outcomes
Any of these events could result in
collision, or swerve and running off the
road. Could involve other road
user(s), including farm vehicle,
pedestrian, cyclist, or other vehicle,
resulting in
Near miss, Injury , Death
Relative Likelihood
For the possible events shown, the
relative likelihood is categorised as
Medium.
Considering the
range of
hazards, the mix
of road users,
and the relative
likelihood of
outcomes, the
Area 3 Risk is
Level 7-,
Serious.
7- is assigned
as it is a
relatively quiet
road.
The
manageability
is high, and
without heavy
expenditure; see
Hazard
Management
and Mitigation
works access) is not conspicuous, and it has restricted
lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Kirkfield House is not conspicuous, and it
has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Ardneil Farm is not conspicuous, and it
has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
+ intervals of the road are partially blind due to bends
+ Occasional road-side telegraph poles feature
Margin for Error: generally low
Hazard Area 3 Ranking: Level 7 Serious
Hazard Area 4: From Longitude 218125 East to the end of
the road at Portencross
Refer to Photo Groups 23 – 38 (total of 36 photos)
Specific Contributing Factors
Singly and in combination:
+ the posted national speed limit (60mph for cars)
compared to a measured mean speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway - see Ordnance
Survey detail for spot measurements
+ the combination of a long blind bend with residential
accesses which are not conspicuous and have poor lines of
sight
+ the significant level of tourist / recreational traffic, much
of which is unfamiliar with the road
+ the presence of recreational walkers, particularly from
the car park to the road end
+ the presence of cyclists
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Westpoint residence is not conspicuous,
and it has restricted lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to South Bank Coach House is not
conspicuous, and it has restricted lines of sight along the
B7048
As for Hazard Areas 2 and 3, Possible Events centre on
unfamiliar road users taking a prompt from the national speed
limit sign, travelling a bit too fast along a narrow road with
inconspicuous lateral accesses where exiting traffic must
encroach on the carriageway to establish an adequate line of
sight.
+ Fast-travelling east- or west-bound vehicle encounters
vehicle exiting from




the Westpoint access
the South Bank Coach House access
the South Banks House access
the Auldhill House access
+ Insufficient allowance is made by a road user when
meeting another road user – vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian,
equestrian; this would be compounded on a narrower interval
of carriageway.
+ Vehicle travelling too fast makes insufficient allowance for
the long blind bend from Westpoint along to South Banks
House
+ A vehicle approaching the car park from the east meets a
vehicle exiting the car park
+ A pedestrian – possibly a child – walks onto the road
adjacent to the pathway from the Castle, and is struck by a
passing vehicle; it is common practice for pedestrians to use
the carriageway on the last straight stretch from just north of
the car park along to the road-end.
Possible Outcomes
Any of these events could result in
collision, or swerve and running off the
road. Could involve other road
user(s), including farm vehicle,
pedestrian, cyclist, or other vehicle,
resulting in
Near miss, Injury , Death
Relative Likelihood
For the possible events shown, the
relative likelihood is categorised as
Medium to Higher
Considering the
range of
hazards, the mix
of road users,
and the relative
likelihood of
outcomes, the
Area 4 Risk is
Level 8, Serious.
Level 8 rather
than 8- reflects
the numbers of
pedestrians
moving about at
Portencross.
The
manageability
is high, and
without heavy
expenditure; see
Hazard
Management
and Mitigation
+ the access to South Banks House is not conspicuous
coming from the east, and it has restricted lines of sight
along the B7048 looking east
+ at the exit from Auldhill Cottage driveway, the lines of
sight along the B7048 are restricted looking east.
+ the exit from Portencross Car Park has restricted lines of
sight
+ Road-side telegraph poles are a common feature
Margin for Error: Low
Hazard Area 4 Ranking: Level 8, Very Serious
Hazard Management and Mitigation
Contributing Factors
Hazard Area
Hazard Ranking
Margin for Error
Risk Level
Singly and in combination:
Controllable Variables /
Road Management Options
Pros / Cons
Suggested Best-Fit
This set of options is
a cost-effective
management
package to address
the hazard features.
It avoids a substantial
expenditure on road
realignment and / or
widening.
The following actions
are in line with
Setting Local Speed
Limits and are costconscious:
Hazard Area 1: The B7048 / A78 Crossroads
This is covered in the hazard management work for the A78 interval from Portencross Road to Highthorne.
This crossroads along with its A78 approaches is a significant accident black-spot.
The Margin for Error is comparatively low.
The hazard and risk levels assigned are Level 9, Severe
The status of the junction as Give Way is highlighted as a concern.
The main recommendations are:
+ Reduce the A78 speed limit to 40mph, from the existing national speed limit sign to 100 yards north of Bogriggs Cottage;
+ Introduce a roundabout at the crossroads;
+ Establish a no overtaking interval from the crossroads to 100yards north of Bogriggs Cottage; and
+ Widen the bell-mouth at Bogriggs Cottage to give adequate lines of sight.
Hazard Area 2: From the national speed
limit sign at West Kilbride to just west of
the entrance to Whinhurst
+ the posted national speed limit
(60mph for cars) compared to a
measured mean speed of 28 mph
Reduce speed limit to 40mph
in step with measured mean
speed of 28 mph
Refer to Photo Groups 1 - 13 (total of 31
photos)
+ the narrowness of the carriageway
west of the A78 crossroads - see
Ordnance Survey detail for spot
measurements
As a separate sign, or
incorporated in the 40mph
sign, signpost the following
message just west of the
crossroads:
Margin for Error: generally Low
Hazard Area 2 Ranking: Level 7, Serious
Hazard Area 2 Risk is Level 7-, Serious.
+ the significant level of tourist /
recreational traffic, much of which is
unfamiliar with the road
+ Reduce speed limit
to 40mph in step with
measured mean
speed of 28 mph;
+ the presence of recreational
walkers
AGRICULTURAL TRAFFIC
+ the presence of cyclists
PEDESTRIANS CYCLISTS
EQUESTRIAN
+ As a separate
sign, or incorporated
in the 40mph sign,
signpost the following
message just west of
the crossroads:
NARROW ROAD
SLOW FOR 2 MILES
LATERAL ACCESSES
AGRICULTURAL
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Wildcat Road is not
conspicuous, and it has restricted
SLOW FOR 2 MILES
Contributing Factors
Hazard Area
Hazard Ranking
Margin for Error
Risk Level
Singly and in combination:
lines of sight along the B7048 (this is
used only by farm traffic, cyclists and
pedestrians - and is presently
unpassable for 4-wheel vehicles due
to a field ramp at its north end)
+ the east access to Yonderfield
Farm has restricted lines of sight
along the B7048
+ the west access toYonderfield
Farm is not conspicuous when
approaching form the east, and it has
restricted lines of sight along the
B7048
+ the access to Garroch House is
not conspicuous, and it has restricted
lines of sight along the B7048.
Controllable Variables /
Road Management Options
Pros / Cons
Suggested Best-Fit
TRAFFIC
Establish an improved bellmouth to give improved line
of sight when exiting
+ both Yonderfield Farm
acceses
+ the access to Garroch
House
In carrying out the bell-mouth
work, incorporate improved
visibility from the B7048 of
these accesses
PEDESTRIANS
CYCLISTS
EQUESTRIAN
NARROW ROAD
LATERAL
ACCESSES
Establish an
improved bell-mouth
to give improved line
of sight when exiting
+ both Yonderfield
Farm accesses
+ the access to
Garroch House: and
In carrying out the
bell-mouth work,
incorporate improved
visibility from the
B7048 of these
accesses
Contributing Factors
Hazard Area
Hazard Ranking
Margin for Error
Risk Level
Hazard Area 3: From just west of the
entrance to Whinhurst along to Longitude
218125 East (after the turning to Ardneil
Farm)
Refer to Photo Groups 14 – 22 (total of 26
photos)
Margin for Error: generally low
Hazard Area 3 Ranking: Level 7 Serious
Hazard Area 3 Risk is Level 7-, Serious
Singly and in combination:
Controllable Variables /
Road Management Options
+ the posted national speed limit
(60mph for cars) compared to a
measured mean speed of 28 mph
Reduce speed limit to 40mph
in step with measured mean
speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway
- see Ordnance Survey detail for spot
measurements
Establish an improved bellmouth to give improved line
of sight when exiting
+ the significant level of tourist /
recreational traffic, much of which is
unfamiliar with the road
+ the Mhor access
+ the presence of recreational
walkers
+ the presence of cyclists
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Thirdpart Road is not
conspicuous, and it has restricted
lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Mhor (4 residences
and the golf course works access) is
not conspicuous, and it has restricted
lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Kirkfield House is not
conspicuous, and it has restricted
lines of sight along the B7048
+ the access to Ardneil Farm is not
conspicuous, and it has restricted
lines of sight along the B7048
+ intervals of the road are partially
blind due to bends
+ Occasional road-side telegraph
poles feature
+ the Ardneil Farm and
Kirkfield House accesses
In carrying out the bell-mouth
work, incorporate improved
visibility from the B7048 of
these accesses
Install a VAS between the
Mhor and Kirkfield House
accesses
Pros / Cons
Suggested Best-Fit
This set of options is
a cost-effective
management
package to address
the hazard features.
It avoids a substantial
expenditure on road
realignment and / or
widening.
The following actions
are in line with
Setting Local Speed
Limits and are costconscious:
Reduce speed limit to
40mph in step with
measured mean
speed of 28 mph;
Establish an
improved bell-mouth
to give improved line
of sight when exiting
+ the Mhor access
+ the Ardneil Farm
and Kirkfield House
accesses;
In carrying out the
bell-mouth work,
incorporate improved
visibility from the
B7048 of these
accesses; and
Install a VAS
between the Mhor
and Kirkfield House
accesses
Contributing Factors
Hazard Area
Hazard Ranking
Margin for Error
Risk Level
Singly and in combination:
Hazard Area 4: From Longitude 218125
East to the end of the road at Portencross
Refer to Photo Groups 23 – 38 (total of 36
photos)
Margin for Error: Low
Hazard Area 4 Ranking: Level 8, Very
Serious
Hazard Area 4 Risk is Level 8, Very
Serious
Hazard Area 4: From Longitude
218125 East to the end of the road at
Portencross
Refer to Photo Groups 23 – 38 (total
of 36 photos)
Specific Contributing Factors
Singly and in combination:
+ the posted national speed limit
(60mph for cars) compared to a
measured mean speed of 28 mph
+ the narrowness of the carriageway
- see Ordnance Survey detail for spot
measurements
+ the combination of a long blind
bend with residential accesses which
are not conspicuous and have poor
lines of sight
+ the significant level of tourist /
recreational traffic, much of which is
unfamiliar with the road
+ the presence of recreational
walkers, particularly from the car park
to the road end
+ the presence of cyclists
+ the presence of equestrians
+ the access to Westpoint residence
is not conspicuous, and it has
restricted lines of sight along the
B7048
Controllable Variables /
Road Management Options
Maintain the reduced 40 mph
speed limit and install a
SLOW VAS at the start of the
left-hand bend before
Westpoint residence
Establish an improved bellmouth to give improved line
of sight when exiting
+ the Westpoint access
+ the South Bank Coach
House access
+ the South Banks House
access
+ the Auldhill Cottage
access
+ the Car Park exit
a mirror may be an option at
the most severely restricted
ones
+ In carrying out the bellmouth work, incorporate
improved visibility from the
B7048 of these accesses;
+ Establish a 20’s Plenty
zone from just before the car
park along past the Castle
turning up to the road end.
Pros / Cons
Suggested Best-Fit
This set of options is
a cost-effective
management
package to address
the hazard features.
It avoids a substantial
expenditure on road
realignment and / or
widening.
The following actions
are in line with
Setting Local Speed
Limits and are costconscious:
Maintain the reduced
40 mph speed limit
and install a SLOW
VAS at the start of
the left-hand bend
before Westpoint
residence;
Establish an
improved bell-mouth
to give improved line
of sight when exiting
+ the Westpoint
access
+ the South Bank
Coach House access
+ the South Banks
House access
+ the Auldhill
Cottage access
+ the Car Park exit;
a mirror may be an
option at the most
severely restricted
ones
+ the access to South Bank Coach
House is not conspicuous, and it has
restricted lines of sight along the
B7048
In carrying out the
bell-mouth work,
incorporate improved
visibility from the
B7048 of these
accesses; and
+ the access to South Banks House
Establish a 20’s
Contributing Factors
Hazard Area
Hazard Ranking
Margin for Error
Risk Level
Singly and in combination:
Controllable Variables /
Road Management Options
is not conspicuous coming from the
east, and it has restricted lines of
sight along the B7048 looking east
Pros / Cons
Suggested Best-Fit
Plenty zone from just
before the car park
along past the Castle
turning up to the road
end.
+ at the exit from Auldhill Cottage
driveway, the lines of sight along the
B7048 are restricted looking east.
+ the exit from Portencross Car Park
has restricted lines of sight
+ Road-side telegraph poles are a
common feature
++