Mobile app controlled pedestrian crossing to be introduced in Clydebank

Pedestrian crossings activated by a mobile phone app will be introduced in Clydebank as part of an ambitious improvement project.

The system – called Button by Neatebox – is just one of the steps being taken by West Dunbartonshire Council to ensure its Connecting Clydebank initiative is suitable for residents with disabilities.

The £4.3million improvements - which centre around a key section of Glasgow Road – will create better links between the Town Hall, the town centre and the Queens Quay development.

As well as enhancing the look and connectivity of the area, a new 20mph speed limit will be introduced, making it safer for residents.

When the transformation is complete, the area will have be improved through the use of high quality materials to ensure it is accessible for everyone in the community.

The plans were detailed in a report to the Council’s Planning Committee, where the initiative was given the go ahead on Wednesday.

Councillor Diane Docherty, Vice Convener of the committee, said: “This project will transform Clydebank and the benefits will be seen for generations to come.

“When this project has been completed, it will be much easier to walk or cycle around Clydebank, and much safer too thanks to reduced traffic flow.

“The existing town centre will be easily accessible from Queens Quay meaning it is likely local businesses will benefit from additional footfall and custom.

“These plans were made with the community in mind. In 2015, at the Clydebank Charrette they told us they wanted a better connection between the town centre and Queens Quay as a priority so it’s great that we will be able to deliver what they asked for.

“We were more than happy to consult with an inclusive design advisor to ensure the plans were going to be suitable for all members of our community.”

Button by Neatebox addresses the issue of inaccessible crossings for a person with a mobility or visual impairment.

The free app allows pedestrians to focus on positioning and alignment prior to crossing the street, meaning residents can cross the road safely and with more confidence.

Last year, Councillors agreed to release £2.3million of funding towards the project and Sustrans Scotland had previously provisionally awarded £2million funding towards it.

Work will include removing the central reservation between Hall Street and Hume Street, realigning key junctions and raising sections of the road to pavement level to assist pedestrians in crossing the road.

It specifically takes in the stretch of the A814 between Clydebank Library and to the west of the Argyll Road junction.