Figures removed
Go-slow ‘scarecrows’
Frustrated locals have hit out at Perth and Kinross Council following the removal of two ‘scarecrows’ on the Forfar Road at the weekend.
The figures, dressed in hi-vis jackets, first appeared at the side of the road last week but were removed by the council on Saturday.
The so-called ‘helpers’ had been placed there to assist local people in their efforts to slow traffic down on the busy road.
Campaigners have been calling for a reduced speed limit and traffic calming measures on the A-road which runs alongside the popular Larghan Park in the town as well as a housing development - for a number of years.
They claim that their repeated requests for action on the speeding issue have been met with no effective response from either the council or Police Scotland, and that frustration has grown in the town since the tragic death of toddler Harlow Edwards who was killed as she walked along the pavement at the blackspot last October.
Local residents claimed on social media that the eye-catching mannequins were having a positive impact in terms of slowing drivers down and that, following their removal, traffic speeds had gone up again.
They also slammed the council for what they described as a lack of common sense.
Jimmy Harris, a resident of Larghan View, said: “I think we need to have a strong word with the council. The idea that two scarecrows are more dangerous than speeding cars shows they have no common sense.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the council confirmed that they had removed the mannequins “in the interests of safety”.
The statement said: “The council is aware that individuals have placed additional material at the side of the road to discourage speeding and, although the council appreciates that this has been done with the best of intentions, it is illegal for any unauthorised signage to be erected at the side of the road as it may distract drivers and could jeopardise any enforcement action taken by Police Scotland.”
Meanwhile, it was confirmed last week that a driver has been charged in connection with Harlow’s death.
A police spokesman said: “We can confirm that a 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal road traffic collision on the A94 Forfar Road at its junction with Larghan Park, Coupar Angus on October 13, 2016.”
The 23-year-old man is expected to appear at Perth Sheriff Court at a later date and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to the matter.