Councillors to consider road safety measures for Arbroath.

Arbroath: Three options to be offered on road where 81-year-old died

Moves to improve road safety following a fatality in Arbroath will see three crossing options put before councillors.

The communities committee of Angus Council will today discuss the results of an investigation into the proposed installation of a signalcontrolled pedestrian crossing on Keptie Street – even though data has shown one is not actually justified.

The move comes a decade after work got under way on a puffin crossing close to the junction with Catherine Street, before the project was halted because of concerns about its location.

The crossing was never completed and although some safety improvements were made, the issue tragically reared its head last September when 81-year-old Barbara Stormont was knocked down by a van, suffering severe injuries from which she later died in hospital.

Councillors will be asked to decide on a pedestrian crossing between Helen Street and Garden Street or between Garden Street and Lochlands Street –

“

The survey data showed the location... does not justify the provision of a signal controlled pedestrian crossing

and whether a dropped kerb should be provided near Garden Street.

The committee will also be asked to consider if any further consultation with affected premises near the potential crossings should be undertaken.

Ian Cochrane, the council’s head of technical and property services, said the financial implications of the consultation are estimated at £1,000 for the surveys and results analysis.

He said: “An analysis of road traffic accident statistics shows there has been one fatal and one slight injury accident involving pedestrians on Keptie Street, Arbroath, within the 100m survey area during the most recent three-year recording period.

“A survey of vehicle and pedestrian movements was carried out on Keptie Street in the vicinity of Helen Street and Garden Street over a 10-hour period.

“It was carried out on a weekday during school term time in March 2017 and was taken over a standard distance of 100m, centred on the most prevalent pedestrian desire line.

“The survey data showed the location... does not justify the provision of a signasl controlled pedestrian crossing.”

The council goes on to say that despite these findings, “detailed site evaluation will be carried out to determine a suitable solution, which may include a central refuge, a zebra crossing, or a signalled controlled crossing”.

gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Kim Cessford. The results of a survey into road safety on Keptie Street, Arbroath, will be discussed by councillors today, after a fatal accident there last year.