Tag: road safety

Two-stage junction to improve Leith road safety

A new two-stage right turn junction to help keep cyclists safe is being introduced on one of the city’s major roads – the first such junction of its kind in Scotland. This is due to ‘go live’ at McDonald Road at the end of this month as part of ongoing public realm and active travel improvements to Leith Walk.  Continue reading Two-stage junction to improve Leith road safety

Seeing red: new cycle lanes to make crossing tram tracks safer

New red-surfaced cycle lanes are to be installed at a number of key points along the tram route in the city centre. The measures, the first in a three-phase project to help all road users keep themselves and each other safe when negotiating the tram tracks, are aimed at demonstrating the optimum angle for crossing the tracks and reminding motorists to give cyclists extra space, particularly near tramlines. Continue reading Seeing red: new cycle lanes to make crossing tram tracks safer

Letters: drivers should take a hard look at themselves

Dear Editor

Drivers who are moaning and groaning about a restriction on ‘them’ having to observe a speed limit should take a hard look at themselves and their reasons for objecting.

Driving in a city can be one of potential risk to pedestrians and drivers alike – except that drivers have a two ton object in their hands travelling at speed.

There are very few times whilst driving in the city when one is able to travel more than a few hundred yards before having to stop, yet some drivers feel it is their personal right to travel those few hundred yards as fast as they wish, causing hazardous conditions for all, just to save a few seconds of their precious time.

That is why I say: those drivers should take a hard look at themselves and their attitude to others.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Flora’s kids warn: 20’s plenty

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Local primary school children have created their own colourful posters to support the ongoing rollout of slower speeds on roads across Edinburgh. Phase three of the road safety scheme will be rolled out next month. Continue reading Flora’s kids warn: 20’s plenty

Sustrans research reveals cycle safety hotspots

“Put quite simply: the more people in a place who cycle, the safer it becomes for everyone”

– John Lauder, Sustrans Scotland National Director

Sustrans Scotland is calling for improved cycling infrastructure at junctions, after research has revealed that roundabouts and T-junctions are the main cycle collision hotspots in Scotland. Drumbrae roundabout features among the twenty most dangerous locations in the country.
Continue reading Sustrans research reveals cycle safety hotspots

‘Our message is simple: the best approach is NONE’

POLICE LAUNCH DRINK/DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN

Sadly, statistics show that this is the time of year when Scotland’s road users are at their highest risk of being killed or seriously injured because the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sometimes “just one drink” can push you over the legal limit and in turn have devastating consequences.

The video (below) from THINK road safety is a reminder that you should not succumb to peer pressure in social situations. Every life is worth more than any extra drink.

Speaking about the launch of a campaign to tackle this issue, our national Head of Road Policing Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston said: “As we head towards summer there are many additional social events for people to attend, such as barbecues with family and friends or larger organised events such as town shows or village galas. All are perfect opportunities to socialise in relaxed surroundings and many people will take the opportunity to have an alcoholic drink.

“Whatever the occasion, as responsible individuals, we all have a duty to consider the amount of alcohol we consume if we intend on driving. It is important to remember that the measures of alcoholic drinks consumed at social events can be significantly more than pub measures. Unfortunately, people can get caught up in the moment and unintentionally or otherwise over-indulge in alcohol.

“Drivers must consider that even if you make alternative arrangements to get home after an event, you could be over the limit the next day, depending upon the amount you have had to drink. The effects of alcohol do not wear off immediately and drivers must be aware of this if they intend driving the following morning. Make sure you do not get caught out.

“Over the next week our increased visibility and activity throughout the country aims to reassure the public that drink/drug driving is highly dangerous and publicly unacceptable. If you choose to drink and drive or drive whilst unfit due to the effects of drugs there is a high likelihood that you will be caught.

“Our message is simple – the best approach is none.”

Police Scotland is committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty reduction targets by tackling the risks associated with drink/drug driving and the campaign supports the service’s efforts to reduce road casualties.

Anyone with information on drink/drug drivers can contact Police Scotland on 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111

Operation Close Pass: Seventy motorists receive ‘chat on the mat’

Nearly 70 people in Edinburgh have received the ‘chat on the mat’ as part of Operation Close Pass. The initiative sees drivers who pass an unmarked police cyclist too closely pulled over and given advice using a specially designed mat which shows how much space a person on a bicycle needs when overtaking them. Continue reading Operation Close Pass: Seventy motorists receive ‘chat on the mat’

Local schools sign up for ParkSmart

Pupils and teachers across Edinburgh have joined a campaign to discourage inconsiderate parking at school gates. Granton, Flora Stevenson (above), Wardie and Ferryhill are among the local primary schools to sign up for the initiative.

Continue reading Local schools sign up for ParkSmart