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Scotsman
08-05-2025
- Scotsman
Edinburgh protesters repeatedly block street after 80-year-old woman struck by a car
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Protesters have repeatedly blocked an Edinburgh street to demand action after an 80 year old woman was struck by a car. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Around 30 demonstrators gathered at the junction of Ashley Terrace and Harrison Gardens on Wednesday night. And they said the council had promised to take action almost three years ago – but nothing had been done. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The protest was sparked by an incident which saw an 80 year old woman was struck by a black BMW and sent to hospital Monday last week. The Edinburgh protest was set up after a local resident was struck by a car on Ashley Terrace at around 12.30pm on Monday, April 28 | Joe Sullivan Protesters crossed into Ashley Terrace and stood still, blocking traffic in both directions. They also crossed the street at the junction every few minutes while carrying signs, some of which read 'pedestrian safety now' and 'road safety now'. In June 2022, Edinburgh Council officials presented a local primary school's parents group with plans to narrow the roadway at the junction after over a decade of pleas, with hopes it would make the crossing safer. But almost three years on, the council has not yet applied for a traffic regulation order, which would allow them to start the process of modifying the crossing and narrowing the roadway. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Johanna Jokio, one of the protest's organisers, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'We want the council to build a proper crossing here, they've been promising one for years. 'Last month, a car hit one of our neighbours. The council says they have a 'city mobility plan'. We want to see people put first, and car traffic reduced.' Jokio, 34, worked with campaign group Living Streets Edinburgh to organise the protest, of which she is also a member. Ashley Terrace's junction with Harrison Gardens hosts the last crossing of the road before it reaches the Union Canal, over 300 metres to the south. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The parents' council at Craiglockhart Primary School, which is located along that stretch, have been advocating for a permanent crossing there for over 15 years. Dr Johanna Jokio, one of the protest's organisers | Joe Sullivan The protesters want to see the council improve the crossing at the junction, and add a new one in front of the primary school. Green councillor Dan Heap, who represents the Sighthill/Gorgie ward, said: 'Everyone has the right to use our streets safely, whether they are pedestrians, car users, bicycle users. But that's not always the case. 'We've been waiting for improvements here for quite a long time, actually, and in other parts of the city. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The campaigners here are not asking for the world. They're asking for some decent improvements, they're asking for some traffic calming measures – but it would make a big difference. 'They're not asking for the road to be closed. They're asking for fairly basic safety improvements to the street. 'There's a lot of young families here, there's a school just down the road. And hopefully the council can speed up this action, because this is a project that has been very, very delayed.' Wednesday's protest comes after the news last month that almost 70% of active travel projects in the capital have been delayed, with some falling behind by over a decade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Many of these schemes include elements that help to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Edinburgh streets in various ways, such as new signalised crossings or narrower roads that slow down cars. Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convenor said: 'Pedestrian safety across the city is a priority and I fully understand the safety concerns raised by the community in relation to the junction at Ashley Terrace and Harrison Gardens, particularly given the recent road traffic accident which took place there. 'As outlined in the Road Safety Delivery Plan, there are plans in place for two footpath build-outs on Ashley Terrace. Unfortunately, we have experienced some delays due to necessary design revisions and coordination with other services. 'In relation to Ashley Terrace, the installation of a build-out directly in front of the school entrance requires the relocation of a nearby bin hub. This is being progressed through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) by the Waste team, and we are awaiting further updates from them.'
Edinburgh Live
08-05-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh protest blocks street to demand safe crossing after 80-year old hit by car
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Protesters have repeatedly blocked an Edinburgh street to demand action after an 80 year old woman was struck by a car. Around 30 demonstrators gathered at the junction of Ashley Terrace and Harrison Gardens on Wednesday night. And they said the council had promised to take action almost three years ago - but nothing had been done. The protest was sparked by an incident which saw an 80 year old woman was struck by a black BMW and sent to hospital Monday last week. Protesters crossed into Ashley Terrace and stood still, blocking traffic in both directions. They also crossed the street at the junction every few minutes while carrying signs, some of which read 'pedestrian safety now' and 'road safety now'. In June 2022, Edinburgh Council officials presented a local primary school's parents group with plans to narrow the roadway at the junction after over a decade of pleas, with hopes it would make the crossing safer. But almost three years on, the council has not yet applied for a traffic regulation order, which would allow them to start the process of modifying the crossing and narrowing the roadway. (Image: Joe Sullivan, LDRS) Dr Johanna Jokio, one of the protest's organisers, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'We want the council to build a proper crossing here, they've been promising one for years. 'Last month, a car hit one of our neighbours. The council says they have a 'city mobility plan'. We want to see people put first, and car traffic reduced.' Jokio, 34, worked with campaign group Living Streets Edinburgh to organise the protest, of which she is also a member. Ashley Terrace's junction with Harrison Gardens hosts the last crossing of the road before it reaches the Union Canal, over 300 metres to the south. The parents' council at Craiglockhart Primary School, which is located along that stretch, have been advocating for a permanent crossing there for over 15 years. The protesters want to see the council improve the crossing at the junction, and add a new one in front of the primary school. (Image: Joe Sullivan, LDRS) Green councillor Dan Heap, who represents the Sighthill/Gorgie ward, said: 'Everyone has the right to use our streets safely, whether they are pedestrians, car users, bicycle users. But that's not always the case. 'We've been waiting for improvements here for quite a long time, actually, and in other parts of the city. 'The campaigners here are not asking for the world. They're asking for some decent improvements, they're asking for some traffic calming measures – but it would make a big difference. 'They're not asking for the road to be closed. They're asking for fairly basic safety improvements to the street. 'There's a lot of young families here, there's a school just down the road. And hopefully the council can speed up this action, because this is a project that has been very, very delayed.' Wednesday's protest comes after the news last month that almost 70% of active travel projects in the capital have been delayed, with some falling behind by over a decade. Many of these schemes include elements that help to improve safety for pedestrians crossing Edinburgh streets in various ways, such as new signalised crossings or narrower roads that slow down cars. Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convenor said: 'Pedestrian safety across the city is a priority and I fully understand the safety concerns raised by the community in relation to the junction at Ashley Terrace and Harrison Gardens, particularly given the recent road traffic accident which took place there. "As outlined in the Road Safety Delivery Plan, there are plans in place for two footpath build-outs on Ashley Terrace. Unfortunately, we have experienced some delays due to necessary design revisions and coordination with other services. "In relation to Ashley Terrace, the installation of a build-out directly in front of the school entrance requires the relocation of a nearby bin hub. This is being progressed through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) by the Waste team, and we are awaiting further updates from them.'
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Edinburgh residents in protest against speeding drivers after 80-year-old woman seriously injured
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Residents worried about pedestrian safety after an accident which left an 80-year-old neighbour in hospital are to stage a protest against speeding drivers. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The 80-year-old woman suffered serious injuries when she was hit by a car on Ashley Terrace, Shandon, around 12.30pm on Monday, April 28. Now local people plan to gather at the corner of Ashley Terrace and Harrison Gardens at 5pm today, Wednesday, May 7, calling for promised crossings for the area to be speeded up. The protest will take place at the junction of Ashley Terrace and Harrison Gardens | Google Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Residents say there have long been demands for pedestrian crossings on Ashley Terrace and that plans have been drawn up by the council but then delayed. Dr Johanna Jokio said: 'It's a 20mph limit but everyone speeds, especially going down the hill. And there is more traffic just now because Harrison Road is shut for bridge works.' Harrison Road Bridge closed in February for a forecast five months after an inspection revealed serious structural issues. Dr Jokio continued: 'I understand the parent council at Craiglockhart Primary School has been asking for a crossing on Ashley Terrace for 20 years. 'The last time it was promised was 2022, now I've had a reply from the council saying the traffic regulation order has progressed but it has been delayed so that it is now planned for 2026, but I'm not convinced.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said she understood the 80-year-old woman injured in the accident was still in critical care. 'It could have been any one of us. There are near misses all the time,' she said. 'At peak times you have to wait a couple of minutes there just for a break in the traffic. The council says it remains committed to the plan for crossings, but this is not the first time it has been delayed. The planning process should not take this long for pedestrian crossings.' Dr Jokio said the protest would not disrupt traffic. 'We're keeping it very peaceful. We'll talk to any neighbours or residents tha turn up and create a bit of community spirit and show the council we're concerned and angry about this issue.' Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said pedestrian safety across the city was a priority for the council. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'I fully understand the safety concerns raised by the community in relation to the junction at Ashley Terrace and Harrison Gardens, particularly given the recent road traffic accident which took place there. 'As outlined in the Road Safety Delivery Plan, there are plans in place for two footpath build-outs on Ashley Terrace. 'Unfortunately, we have experienced some delays due to necessary design revisions and coordination with other services. In relation to Ashley Terrace, the installation of a build-out directly in front of the school entrance requires the relocation of a nearby bin hub. This is being progressed through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) by the Waste team, and we are awaiting further updates from them."
