Speeding campaign borne of frustration

One can readily sympathise with frustrated Coupar Angus residents.

For over a decade and a half, they have been concerned about speeding motorists in the town – particularly on the stretch of road where the life of young Harlow Edwards was so cruelly snuffed out a fortnight ago.

While the precise circumstances of that tragedy have still to be established, many locals are in no doubt that action to curb dangerous driving in the area is long overdue.

Of course, defacing road signage is not the most appropriate course of action, but it has certainly served to highlight the issue in a graphic manner.

The kind of concerns being raised in Coupar Angus are replicated in communities across the country, both big and small.

It should not take a tragedy of the magnitude witnessed in the Perthshire town to force the hand of the authorities.

When a community group speaks out, it is almost always with the greater good in mind.

The problem for those in positions of authority is prioritising the needs of so many competing claims on their resources.

In this instance, it is clear that the call for change is not some knee-jerk reaction, rather a long-term campaign thrust horribly into the spotlight.

The latest bid to highlight the concern might not be sensible, but many will consider it justified.