Helensburgh Advertiser | News | Woman killed in car crash

Wednesday, 7th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 8th March, 2007 09:58

Woman killed in car crash

By Frances Ridge

RESIDENTS in a Loch Lomondside village this week demanded action after a notorious accident blackspot claimed another victim.

A 33-year-old woman died when her Ford Puma collided with a car travelling on the opposite side of the road on the A82 in Tarbet.

Police officers and paramedics quickly arrived at the scene of the crash, which happened on February 28 at around 3.45pm, but could not revive the woman.

The 31-year-old male driver of the other car, a Peugeot 406, was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley by ambulance where he was treated for minor injuries before being discharged.

Police were forced to close the A82 and redirect traffic while they dealt with the accident, but many drivers were delayed for up to six hours due to the diversion and slammed the authorities for their handling of the incident.

One driver caught up in the traffic jam said: `What happened to us pales in comparison to what the family of the woman who died are going through but at the same time we still need to know what was happening.

`It was disgraceful. Not one policeman came up and said what was happening.

`They forget that they are at the scene and know what is going on, we didn't know what was happening. There were no signs saying there had been a fatal accident.`

The 56-year-old added: `It was a horrible experience but as long as they keep three lanes on that road it is going to happen again.

`The lane for over-taking is what is causing accidents. They should get crash barriers up and reduce it to one lane going north and one lane going south, they don't need three lanes.`

David Marshall, a National Holidays coach driver, also hit out at the Traffic Police's handling of the diversion.

He said: `We were there at 5.20pm and didn't get away until 2.15 in the morning. We were sitting there for hours.

`Our passengers are middle age to elderly and some of them were diabetic. No-one asked if we wanted anything. We had no food or drink within the time we were stuck, it was a nightmare.`

The 56-year-old added: `There was no organisation. I have been driving coaches for 30 years and I have never seen anything like that.

`There were five coaches all stuck on the road, we were directed back along the A82 and up towards Coulport. I know the area and I knew what it was going to be like, when a coach is trying to pass you on that road you have no chance of getting through. It was horrendous.`

Following last week's accident Ronald Ross, chairman of Arrochar and Tarbet Community Council, has vowed to bring the accident blackspot to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

He said: `There has been a lot of accidents over the last few years.

`It's been discussed at the Community Council and it will be investigated. We will also be talking to those who will listen to us, such as the Scottish Executive and Transerv. At the next Community Council meeting I will take this issue to the table.`

He added: `Accidents like this happen all over the country but when it happens on your own doorstep it brings it home to you.`

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