Driver’s Tay near-miss at blackspot
Vehicle shoots through rails
A recent road accident on the easterly approach to Aberfeldy has raised concerns over the safety of drivers and pedestrians using the riverside footpath near the spot.
On Saturday, March 10 a white van took a bend on the A827 near Dewar’s Distillery and came off the road and shot through the metal fence, ending up in vegetation perilously close to the River Tay.
Fortunately there was no-one on the pavement it crossed or the footpath which is popular with weekend dog walkers.
The vehicle came to rest just metres from the water. The driver was shaken but unhurt.
The scene is considered to be an accident blackspot with dozens of similar incidents over the last decade and it has led local councillor Mike Williamson to make enquiries about improvements to safety along the stretch.
Cllr Williamson said: “There certainly need to be a proper steel crash barrier, the existing metal bollards and hollow rails were no good against the out of control van.
“I’m in conversation with the roads department of Perth and Kinross Council to get something done about this particularly hazardous stretch.
“Cars speed up after passing the distillery, there’s a sense of leaving the town behind and the open road makes some accelerate. They take a series of bends at speed and it is easy to make a mistake, especially if the surface is icy.
“Saturday’s van crash was thankfully not serious, either for the young man from Glasgow or for anyone out for a walk. But we need to make it safer for the future, the natural road camber sends drivers towards the water and the danger is compounded by folk being tempted to speed up just there. “
He added: “I think as well as looking at the road alignment, we need a substantial crash barrier to avoid a tragedy, I’ve heard many concerns locally.”
The wrecked van remained down the bank until Wednesday, when it was raised by crane, leading to considerable delays on the link road from Aberfeldy to the A9. Cllr Mike Williamson wants safety measures A temporary barrier protects the spot where a van went off the road The van is recovered, but causes a hold-up