POLICE are appealing for information following a crash on the Edinburgh city by-pass. The incident happened around 12.30 pm on Sunday, 21 May, 2023 on the A720 westbound between the Millerhill junction and Sheriffhall roundabout.
A blue Harley Davidson motorcycle was struck by a dark Blue BMW SUV, which failed to stop.
Police Constable Stewart Logan of the Road Policing Unit said: “The 51-year-old male motorcyclist and 33-year-old female pillion passenger were left badly shaken, but did not require medical treatment.
“They were knocked into the side of a passing caravan, resulting in them falling onto the roadway. The driver towing the caravan stopped and assisted. There will likely be some damage to the near side body panels of the SUV.
“We are looking for any witnesses or any motorists who have dash-cam footage, you may have captured something that can assist our enquiries. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 1851 of 21 May, 2023.”
A pedestrian who died following a collision involving a car on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass can be named as Michael Greens.
The incident happened around 5.10am on Saturday, 3 September, 2022, eastbound near the Straiton junction. Mr Greens, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have issued the following statement through Police Scotland:
“Michael was an extremely sharp and intelligent man, who would astound and entertain us with his wit and knowledge.
“He was a student of science and history, with a passion for fitness and historical re-enactment.
“A joy to be around, he touched the hearts of those who knew him.
“He will be sorely missed by parents, Billy and Sadie, and brother, Daniel.”
The 39-year-old male driver of the BMW 3 Series car involved was uninjured.
The road was closed until around 12.40pm to allow for an investigation at the scene.
Sergeant Barry Sommerville of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the Michael’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and I would ask anyone with information which could help to get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage which could help our investigation.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0714 of Saturday, 3 September, 2022.”
A 54-year-old man has died following a road crash on the M8 near Edinburgh.
The incident involved a single vehicle, a black DAF HGV, which overturned a short distance west of the Hermiston Gait Roundabout about 4pm on Tuesday, 23 August.
The driver was rescued from the vehicle but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. His next of kin are aware.
The road was closed for around 12 hours to allow for an investigation at the scene and for recovery of the vehicle.
Sergeant Paul Ewing, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man involved in this incident.
“Our enquiries to establish what led to this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone with information to come forward.
“We would be keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage of the vehicle.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 2184 of 23 August.”
Ednilson Ceita (pictured above), now 29, was convicted by a jury on Friday 29 October of two offences under the Road Traffic Act following the crash which happened shortly after midnight on Friday, 25 May, 2018 on Maybury Road.
He has also been disqualified from driving for nine years.
Ceita was driving a BMW X5, without a valid license or insurance, which collided with a Peugeot 206 being driven by 29-year-old Jonathan Smith.
As a result of the crash, Jonathan, known as Jonny, sadly died at the scene.
A criminal investigation was launched which saw detectives from Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigations Department working alongside Road Policing Officers to understand what happened.
As a result, Ceita was arrested and charged in connection with the crash in August 2019.
Detective Chief Inspector Graham Grant said: “There were a number of complexities to this investigation but officers remained determined and committed to establish what caused this crash and cost Jonny his life.
“Ednilson Ceita failed to admit that his actions resulted in this catastrophic event. We found that he was driving at excessive speed, ultimately swerving into oncoming traffic, which led to his BMW colliding with the Peugeot being driven by Mr Smith and another vehicle.
“Jonny’s family have had to wait over three years for justice. They have been dignified and resolute throughout and I hope that today’s verdict offers them some form of comfort.
“I’d like to thank my investigation team, our colleagues in the Road Policing Unit and other elements of the organisation who contributed to the outcome, but most importantly to Jonny’s family, friends, and the wider community which he was an integral part of, for their support during our investigation.”
Jonny’s family reacted to the sentence through theThe Justice for Jonny campaign page on Facebook: “So we had our day in court today for the sentencing, was an apprehensive morning we all weren’t sure how to feel but we went, sat and watched the sentencing, he was given 6 years and a 9 year driving ban.
“In all honesty we were thinking less so I suppose it’s something, realistically it makes no difference nothing changes although if anything takes a dangerous driver off the road and might just save a life.
“He also decided to tell the court what an ordeal this had been for him and his family … remorse at its finest.
“It’s been a long 3 and a half years, so many twists and turns, so many ups and down’s but throughout it all the support we have received is just unbelievable looking back it has really helped us knowing we have had people behind us.
“As a family as a whole we would just like to thank every single person for all their nice words and support whether it was comments, messages or calls … we even had cards through the door at the start it really has been outstanding.
“So from the bottom of all our hearts, we appreciate it and thank you and we will always remember how nice and supportive everyone has been it means so much!”
Police are appealing for witnesses following a one-vehicle crash which took place in the Newbridge area on Saturday (6 March).
The incident involved a white Suzuki car and happened on Cliftonhall Road around 8.10pm. The 40-year-old driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “We’re appealing for anyone who may have been in the area and saw the crash, or who came upon the scene afterwards, to come forward.
“If you have any information, please contact police on 101, quoting incident 3608 of 6 March.”
Road Policing Officers are warning motorists of the consequences of driving on restricted carriageways.
At around 2.30pm on Saturday 31st August, police responded to a road collision on the A720 (city bypass) westbound carriageway between Gilmerton and Lasswade.
During this incident a temporary road closure was put in place, but police officers observed a number of individuals opting to drive the wrong way on the slip-road towards Gilmerton, to avoid the stationary traffic.
Ten motorists were charged with dangerous driving as a result and others are now being reminded that they will face similar action if they drive in a manner, which puts themselves or others at risk.
Inspector Roger Park from the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh said: “While we fully appreciate the frustration caused when you are stuck in traffic, be it as a result of an accident, or general congestion, it is entirely unacceptable to drive the wrong way or on un-permitted areas, in an attempt to avoid delays.
“Such action increases your chances of being involved in a collision and it will not be tolerated.
“We are out on patrol, monitoring the road network on a daily basis and if you are found to be committing such an offence, you can expect to be charged.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run collision on the City Bypass. The incident happened around 2.55pm on Friday (22nd June) on the eastbound carriageway and the Calder junction off-slip.Continue reading Witness appeal: hit and run on City Bypass
