Public service announcement (aka PSA):

Please be aware that the speed camera outside Gartnavel Hospital, Great Western Road is live. This type of camera does not flash and is not an average speed camera. Please be aware.

This was a message circulating around the fleet last week and was not unhelpful, to say the least. 

For avoidance of doubt, and speaking personally, as a Glasgow Taxi driver I will never knowingly speed excessively. However being caught, say doing 34mph in a 30mph zone and getting three points, would feel like a right kick in the teeth. 

The bulletin did send my mind a-wandering, however, mostly on the subject of Great Western Road and - despite the existence of this undercover camera - just what a magnificent stretch of Glasgow roadway that really is between St George’s Cross and Anniesland Cross. 

It all starts as you leave town, heading west, passing the eclectic mix of shops, bars old and new, takeaways and restaurants. 

Seeing St Mary’s Cathedral as you head towards the junction with Park Road, passing Kelvinbridge Underground then crossing over The Kelvin, then up and over the hill as you home in on the junction with Byres Road to the left and Queen Margaret Road to the right. Oran Mor, The Botanic Gardens entrance and even a Glasgow taxi rank to enjoy there.

Next stop is Kirklee junction then on to the next one, speaking of one, One Devonshire is on your left as you ensure you are below 30mph on the road towards Gartnavel.  

It’s Bingham’s Pond and beyond, Anniesland College hill is passed, the Esquire House and Anniesland Station bridge come in view before the end of the original Great Western Road is reached at Anniesland Cross, at which point the A82 extension continues from there all the way to Fort William and Inverness (a whole other column, that is). 

That’s plenty, as Victor would say to Jack. 

But it does beg the question… is Great Western Road Glasgow’s greatest road? 

I put that to you Glasgow Times readers, what do you think? 

Is Duke Street our greatest street?

Is University Avenue our most awesome avenue?  

Queen’s Drive the most delightful drive, Kelvin Way the most wonderful way, Ashton Lane the loveliest lane? 

You get the drift. Let’s hear your favourites!

Stay safe - and stay within the speed limit.