By Colin Smeeton
North Ayrshire Council has admitted it is struggling to secure a contractor to paint markings on Arran’s roads owing to the difficulties firms face in booking accommodation and travel.
The process is also weather dependant and contractors are faced with the difficulty of committing to a particular date by booking their travel and accommodation while also having to risk the weather being unsuitable.
However, council officials say they are currently appointing a contractor and that, once started, work round the entire island can be completed in around a week.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We recognise road markings need to be carried out on various roads in Arran and are working hard to secure a contractor to undertake the work.
“It can be extremely difficult securing a contractor for this type of work as it is weather dependant. It means contractors are reluctant to book accommodation and travel and this is why it has been a challenge to deliver the necessary works.
“We are currently in the process of appointing a contractor to reinstate the remainder of the road markings, although we cannot confirm a timescale at this stage. It is estimated the work to be completed will take about seven working days to complete.”
Arran Community Council heard last week that a contractor was on Arran in September but due to poor weather it was only able to mark out some new disabled parking places, line two car parks in Lamlash and mark a number of “Slow” markings around the island.
However, many stretches of Arran’s roads are still without a central dividing line and other road markings following a huge resurfacing operation.
Concerns about the dangers of no road markings, particularly as winter approaches and daylight hours are reduced, are growing, with one correspondent writing to the Banner saying: “Driving on unmarked roads increases the risk of accidents, damage, injuries and death. It is an increased risk that could be and should be reduced irrespective of the vagaries of the ferry, financial restraint and inclement weather.”
The new road surface on the A841 between Brodick and Lamlash has been without road markings for some time. 01_B44roadmarkings01_23_A841_road