The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Crown Office probe into collision that killed tot
COUPAR ANGUS: Councillor says more should have been done before accident
Crown Office officials are examining the circumstances of a collision that claimed the life of a two-year-old and left two of her siblings in a serious condition.
Police have passed their report on Thursday’s incident in Coupar Angus to the procurator fiscal, which will consider whether the driver of the black Ford Focus involved in the accident will be charged.
His vehicle collided with a Citroen people carrier near Larghan Park and is then believed to have careered into Harlow Edwards, her brother, Leon, six, and Dionne, 17.
A police spokesperson said: “Police have carried out investigations and submitted their report into the incident to the Crown and procurator fiscal office and it will be up to them to decide if they will press charges against anyone.”
A spokesperson for the Crown Office added: “The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU), is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”
Strathmore councillor Dennis Melloy said: “Everyone in Coupar Angus has shed a tear and is still in a state of shock.”
He claims Perth and Kinross Council and Police Scotland should have addressed traffic calming measures on Forfar Road by now, but added: “Unfortunately no amount of traffic measures will stop people speeding if they are intent on doing so.”
He added: “I have been pursuing traffic calming measures on Forfar Road for eight years but am extremely frustrated and angry.
“I’ve met senior council chiefs about this but I keep getting told there are budget restrictions.”
He continued: “The council must find a way to reduce the speed of traffic on this stretch of road.
“As recently as Tuesday last week I wrote to council officers asking for action on the Forfar Road.
“We have two public parks on this stretch of road – Larghan Park and the Common – which are used extensively by children.
“The council must listen to the residents in the area who are extremely worried and concerned – they have warned that another accident is just around the corner.”
Councillor Melloy called for the police to take more responsibility for safety on the stretch of road.
“I have previously told police about vehicles tailgating me on this road but never heard back,” he said
Inspector Ray Cuthill, of Police Scotland’s road policing unit for Tayside, said road safety is a “national priority” for the force.
“We listen to our communities and we work closely with local authorities to identify and respond to local concerns,” he said.
“Our officers carry out road policing patrols and vehicle checks across Tayside to identify drivers who commit road traffic offences, including speeding.
“We are committed to positively influencing road user behaviour, enforcing legislation and improving road safety for all road users.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Our thoughts are with the family concerned at this very difficult time. However, as this matter is currently under police investigation, we are unable to comment further.”