By Bill Heaney
How many more people have to die before the notorious Lomondgate Roundabout and the A82 Alexandria by-pass road is made safer for motorists?
Road policing officers are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash near the Renton slipway.
The crash happened around 1.45 pm on Saturday, 12 July, 2025, on the A82 northbound between the Renton off-slip and the Stoneymollan roundabout.
It involved a Harley Davidson motorcycle with side car and four cars.
The 71-year-old male motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the horrific scene of the crash. His next of kin were informed. The car drivers were uninjured.
The busy road, which was expected to cope with thousands of cars in the heatwave which attracted a huge number of visitors to Loch Lomond, see picture right, was closed while investigations were ongoing and re-opened about 8.10pm.
Sergeant Kenny Malaney, of Road Policing West, said: “Our inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of what happened. Sadly, the male motorcyclist died, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“The road would have been busy at the time and I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who may have dash-cam footage to contact us as soon as possible.
“Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1927 of Saturday, 12 July, 2025.”
Meanwhile, local people were once again shocked by yet another accident on this notorious road and roundabout, which the Scottish Government refused to alter for safety reasons when it was built.
This latest crash has led to a great deal of concern about the safety of the roads within West Dunbartonshire, which local councillors and the MP appear to think is not their business. That Amey are there to look after that, not them.
However, local woman Kat Meehan said there are lessons to be learned which are not connected with this incident but with many others over the years.
She suggested: “More people need to use their mirrors especially when they’re passing a slip road … moving over and being considerate about giving the drivers in front space.
“Also, some don’t seem to recognise the national speed limit sign and a number of drivers coming down Great Western Road were doing around 30 on a 60 or 70mph stretch, where they could also have caused accidents.
“[They should] drive to the road conditions but read up on what the signs mean also.
“I’m sorry to hear the driver of the motorbike passed away. I hope there’s an answer as to why [this happened] for his family’s sake.”
Stuart Mcphail commented: “Yes, the roads are fine and the weather conditions were good. Maybe something should be done with people’s driving and learn to be patient and considerate.
“Condolences to the poor man’s family and friends.”
John Beattie wrote on social media: “I sincerely hope there is some dash cam evidence to show what happened and why. Too many lives being lost and/or people being injured.”
George Rice said: ” Not the first time there’s been a death on this road. It’s next to my house and I genuinely fear for people’s lives when it’s busy.
“How about lowering the speed limit and an average speed camera from Lomondgate Roundabout to Stoneymollan Roundabout?
“It’s a three mile stretch of road. Doing 70mph gets you there in 0.043 hours (2 minutes, 34 seconds)
“Doing 50mph gets you there in 0.06 hours (3 minutes, 36 seconds).
It’s literally one minute of your life.”
Jane Graham said: “Condolences to the man’s family and friends. I live backing onto this road and the noise of folk accelerating as they come off the roundabout and hit the 70 speed limit is shocking.
“Unless something is done to reduce speed at this particular stretch of road then accidents and fatalities are going to keep occurring.”
And Denise Mullen added: “So sorry for the family that lost a granddad son father, but so many drivers in a hurry these days [and people] keep saying sun’s out idiots out.”