The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Parents of tragic tot Harlow Edwards in peaceful protest on road safety.
Parents of Harlow Edwards who was killed by a speeding car call for action
The family of a two-year-old girl who was knocked down and killed on a busy Perthshire road have staged a “peaceful protest” against speeding motorists.
Grieving parents Sara and Steven Edwards returned to the scene of little Harlow’s tragic death to lead a sombre demonstration, calling for extra measures to prevent future accidents.
The youngster died after a crash on Forfar Road, Coupar Angus, in October last year. Her older sister and brother were also badly hurt.
Although a part-time 20mph zone was recently installed, the Edwards believe that much-discussed plans to fully upgrade the stretch have been forgotten about.
Council officers had previously pledged to install more road markings and warning signs, but the local authority now say the work has been held up because of prolonged negotiations with landowners.
Yesterday afternoon, Mr and Mrs Edwards were joined by other villagers, armed with placards and banners, at Forfar Road, near popular Larghan Park.
Two police scarecrows, which helped slow down traffic earlier this year, also returned to the roadside.
Mr Edwards, 39, said: “As the traffic continues to speed – often at more than twice the legal limit – we have decided to stage this demonstration to remind drivers of the importance of keeping to the speed limit.
“With the better weather our park becomes busier and, combined with the fact our children are still having to cross this road every morning to catch their school bus, we feel that the need to do something to keep our children safe from the dangers these drivers pose grows.”
He added: “In the absence of any permanent traffic calming measures we have been left with no choice but to take things into our own hands and hope this will make the impact we need.”
Future work is expected to include red anti-skid road marking and widened footways.
A local authority spokeswoman said: “Perth and Kinross Council has implemented the majority of signs and road markings needed as far as possible to improve road safety on Forfar Road in Coupar Angus.
“We have been in contact with the Edwards family to let them know that while additional traffic signals and signage have been ordered, installing these will require the permission of neighbouring land owners.”
She added: “We are progressing this as quickly as possible and will continue to keep the family up-to-date.”
A 23-year-old man from Forfar has been charged by police in connection with the October 13 crash.
The Edwards family recently set up a charity, Harlow’s Helping Hand, which helps bereaved families pay for funeral or headstone costs.
In the absence of any permanent traffic calming measures we have been left with no choice but to take things into our own hands and hope this will make the impact we need. STEVE EDWARDS