Over 300 call for road action Petition is gaining momentum

Over 300 people have signed a petition calling for increased road safety measures in light of the death of a pensioner on a busy town high street.

Copies of the petition were forwarded to Transport Scotland, Perth and Kinross Council, and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith.

The campaign is seeking for safer pedestrian crossing measures to be implemented in Crieff’s High Street.

The petition was started in August this year by former chair of Crieff Community Council Craig Findlay with the focus initially being on congestion at the A85 trunk road on East High Street.

However, after the death of 97-year-old William Dye in September after he was hit by a car, issues over the entire street were brought into sharper focus.

Mr Findlay said: “This [petition] was in light of growing concerns expressed by many people, particularly elderly and young residents, struggling to cross an increasingly busy high street, with fast-moving traffic.

“During the petition’s run, an elderly resident, William Dye, was knocked down near Crieff’s West High Street. He later died in hospital.

“Although the petition focused on East High Street, it is clear from the feedback I received that strong feelings exist over the lack of safe crossing ability over West High Street, and this was brought into sharp focus after the death of Mr Dye.”

The petition raises not only poor crossing provision through the heavily-used trunk road, which carries heavy goods vehicles from Perth to Oban right through the heart of the town, but also air quality - something which PKC is currently carrying out management planning on.

A representative from Transport Scotland has visited Crieff and heard initial concerns, with Mr Findlay also meeting with Crieff Succeeds BID to discuss the problems in depth.

Perth and Kinross Council’s traffic and network manager has acknowledged the petition and will include it in PKC’s current air quality management planning.

Mr Findlay, added: “It is encouraging that, following recent focus on the safety of this trunk road, relevant authorities are now taking our concerns seriously and consideration is being given to any measures which could make a difference to safety and ease of pedestrian access through the town.

“It is widely recognised that, with police officers being stretched more than ever, poor driver behaviour is going undetected and those driving too fast through Crieff ’s High Street are not being deterred from doing so.”

For more information or feedback call 07709 347044 or email finlay876@btinternet.com