Falkirk Council reject calls for traffic calming in village
Residents are once again calling for more to be done to tackle speeding after a police chase through their village left the road covered in debris.
People living in Allandale have raised the issue of motorists driving too fast on the B816 through the heart of their homes for several years.
However, Falkirk Council said there is no evidence to support the introduction of traffic calming as there had only been one person injured in a collision in the last ten years.
Last year, Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank backed the villagers call for speed cameras to be installed to help deter those driving well above the limit.
On Thursday evening, a police chase through Allandale saw the pursued car hit a traffic sign, leaving a trail of debris along the road.
It was finally stopped by officers close to Allandale Bowling Club.
One resident said: “We heard a loud noise and looking out saw that a speeding car had hit the keep left sign which landed 100 yards up the road. It spread debris all over the carriageway which neighbours eventually cleared.
"The police managed to stop them just before the bowling club but the car is still sitting there this morning.
"The council say that the traffic calming measures in place are enough but that is obviously not the case as there have been around half a dozen serious incidents in recent years.”
They added: “People are beginning to get worried about standing at the bus stop in case a speeding car leaves the road.”
Falkirk Council have introduced a 20mph speed limit through Allandale but residents say more needs to be done.
"Those who used to drive at 30mph now drive at 20mph,” said one concerned resident. “But those who ignored the 30mph limit now ignore the 20mph, even large lorries.”
Following a visit to the village last year to meet with residents, the Falkirk MP wrote to both Falkirk Council and Police Scotland urging them to take immediate action, including seriously considering the installation of a permanent speed camera.
At that time, he said: “I’ve heard loud and clear from Allandale residents – and I’ve seen for myself how risky this stretch of road can be.
“Speeding and overtaking through the village isn’t just a nuisance – it’s a real safety risk for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Whether it’s installing a speed camera or stepping up enforcement, something needs to change – before there’s a serious accident.”
A campaign launched last year for more enforcement to tackle the speeding motorists gathered the backing of over 100 local residents, who signed a petition calling for stronger enforcement of the 20mph speed limit and the introduction of average speed cameras.
Many of the residents reported feeling unsafe simply walking around the village or crossing the road.
Mr Stainbank added: “What residents are asking for is reasonable: a safer village, better enforcement, and a serious response to a longstanding problem.”
This week, a spokesperson for Falkirk Council said: “"Road safety measures are prioritised using personal injury accident data supplied by Police Scotland, speed data and local knowledge. This helps us direct resources to locations where measures are likely to have the greatest impact. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, councils must study collisions in their area and consider appropriate measures to prevent further incidents.
"The latest available records for the B816 through Allandale show one slight personal injury collision in the ten years to April 22, 2026. Based on the current evidence, there is no pattern of collisions that would support engineering measures such as traffic calming.
"We are, however, progressing additional measures following the introduction of the 20mph speed limit. Recorded average speeds fell from around 33mph before the limit was introduced to 27.5mph during the signs-only phase. The additional measures are intended to reduce speeds further.
"Police Scotland is responsible for enforcing speed limits and dealing with dangerous driving. Safety Camera Scotland decides where fixed and mobile safety cameras are deployed, and members of the public can suggest locations through its website."
Police Scotland have been contacted for a comment.