Edinburgh roads: ‘Scandal’ of 8-year wait for safety improvements at roundabout after fatal accident
Edinburgh roads: ‘Scandal’ of 8-year wait for safety improvements at roundabout after fatal accident.
Eight years after an elderly passed away at a city roundabout, planned safety measures have still not been implemented.
In 2017, Alena Faltyskova was celebrating her 70th birthday in Edinburgh when she was struck by a bus while crossing the street at the Davidson’s Mains roundabout.
The council announced that modifications, including potential zebra crossings, would be undertaken at the intersection after the accident. The inability to complete the promised repairs, according to Liberal Democrat council member Kevin Lang, is a disgrace.
He said: “It has been eight years since Alena Faltyskova was sadly knocked over and killed.
That happened after a series of near misses and concerns over the roundabout, not least since it is on the route of both Davidson’s Mains Primary and the Royal High School. “Yet not a single shovel has been placed in the earth to make any alterations. We still don’t have a final design.
“There have been eight years of delays, justifications, and reviews. Meanwhile, parents of schoolchildren tell me they are constantly concerned about their children and this increasingly congested circle.”
He stated that in February 2024, a design for the safety upgrades, as well as draft traffic orders, were issued for public feedback.
However, some neighbours had asked if a traffic signal controlled intersection was conceivable, and council authorities stated they would look into it.
“Had the residents and I known at the time that it would mean two years’ delay, there is a serious question whether that would have been asked for.” Road safety has been consistently identified as a council priority, with increased funds and staffing.
However, Cllr Lang stated: “Given all the discussion about road safety and putting it first, I think it’s disgusting that despite Alena Faltyskova’s death, eight years have passed and nothing has happened.”
He is concerned that there may be even more delays. He stated: “I raise this issue at every full council meeting. Until now, I was consistently promised that the work will begin in this fiscal year.
But the last time I asked, it had changed to ‘as soon as reasonably practical’. “I fear that is officers beginning to set out that we are going to get through another financial year without any work happening.”
The council’s transport committee agreed earlier this month to Cllr Lang’s request for an internal examination of the road safety programme after he highlighted recurrent delays on many projects.
He said: “Record sums of money have gone into the road safety budget, the road safety team has trebled in size, yet we consistently get reports that say they have not been able to deliver things.”
Transport convener Stephen Jenkinson stated that the internal audit would examine the protocols to reassure the committee. “There has been some worry regarding a lack of action.
There has been an increase in resources and money invested in that service, and I believe the committee wants to ensure we are getting value for money and that projects are completed at the expected speed.”
Cllr Jenkinson also stated that the eight-year wait for Davidson’s Mains improvements was “not good enough”.
He stated, “It’s unfortunate how long it’s taken to complete this essential project. We’re nearing the end of the process, and I’m excited to get started as soon as possible.
*We’re now running a large Black Friday membership promotion, and there’s never been a better opportunity to become a subscriber.
Get a full year of the Edinburgh Evening News for £1 a month for 12 months, giving you complete access to premium reporting, insightful analysis, and unlimited digital access for less than the price of a weekly coffee.
The offer is only valid for a limited time, so act quickly and receive your discount when you subscribe to our website.
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.