A major rethink on improving access and road safety in and around Dumfries town centre has been launched.
And High Street, Shakespeare Street, Irish Street, George Street, Academy Street, Buccleuch Bridge and routes from the railway station are all under the microscope.
The new Dumfriesshire initiative, entitled Better Streets, invites residents and business owners in Dumfries to have their say on a bunch of new ideas.
The engagement exercise runs until December 16.
First up is an exhibition and public drop in event at The Smithy building on Monday and Tuesday from noon to 7pm.
A follow-up weekend session is set to be announced shortly.
The ideas have been designed to make streets in the town centre safer and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle.
Improved access for deliveries has also been highlighted as an issue needing addressed.
Ten key locations have been identified as priorities for improvement.
They are based on local feedback and issues identified in the Dynamically Different Dumfries project, led by DPAG – a collaboration of the town’s businesses, community organisations, and social enterprises.
DPAG active travel lead, Gilbert West said: “DPAG welcomes the Better Streets proposals for Dumfries town centre.
“We know how much research and evidence gathering went into these ten schemes.
“The key priorities in the Dynamically Different Dumfries action plan, based on community feedback, were to have more inclusive streets, better active travel infrastructure and to make pedestrianised areas safer and more usable.
“So we’re especially pleased to see that the schemes include suggestions for pavement widening, safer and quicker crossings for everyone, and segregation of space between people walking and cycling and those using mobility aids.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council said once a decision, based on feedback, was made it would “need to secure funding at that point”.
Feedback from separate studies looking at town centre parking arrangements and River Nith flood prevention measures will also be factored in.
The council has worked with SWestrans – Southwest Scotland Regional Transport Partnership – and DPAG on Better Streets on the scheme.
And transport consultants SYSTRA have created design concepts to show what the improvements could look like.
SWestrans chairman John Campbell said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to make their views known on a number of suggested projects across the town centre area.
“These ideas are important as they offer the chance to improve the whole streetscape of the town centre while providing more opportunities for people to move around in healthier and more sustainable ways.
“We look forward to meeting as many local people as possible at the drop-in events and I would encourage everyone to complete the survey with your feedback on the proposals, which will inform the way forward.”
The designs follow national guidance and aim to minimise conflict points between pedestrians and cyclists.
Accessibility for disabled people has also been factored in.
Segregated cycleways, signage and way finding, low level kerbs, tactile paving and measures to reduce vehicle speed all feature.
Improving public areas and creating a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors, landscaping, planting, benches and sensitive paving are among other priorities.
Details of the proposed schemes and how to comment can be found online at: www.dumgal.gov.uk/consultations.
For those unable to access the online survey, survey response sheets are available in Ewart Library, Dumfries.
They will also be available at the drop-in events.