Edinburgh’s councillors will urgently look at safety improvements needed following the tragic death of an 11 year-old boy who was hit by a bin lorry.
Cramond Primary school pupil Thomas Wong was involved in a collision with the vehicle while riding his bike on Whitehouse Road last Friday morning and was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have since said they were “utterly heartbroken” at the loss of their “perfect son”.
City transport chief Scott Arthur said the council must now “work to ensure it is not repeated”.
An emergency motion being tabled at the council’s transport and environment committee on Thursday, March 7, will call on officials to “consider as a matter of urgency what actions are required to improve safety within this area,” once they visit the site where the incident occurred and “any police feedback is received”.
This could include reviewing the school travel plan for Cramond Primary School, where Thomas was a pupil, “if required,” the motion states.
Police Scotland are continuing to urge any witnesses or people with CCTV or dash cam footage to come forward.
Local councillor Kevin Lang, who is calling for the emergency debate to be held, said: “The loss of young Thomas, and in such tragic circumstances, has been deeply distressing for people across Cramond and Barnton. You can see this in the sea of flowers, cards and messages at Whitehouse Road next to where the accident occurred.
“First and foremost, everyone’s thoughts have been with Thomas’ family who are suffering the most unimaginable loss.
“Equally, his friends at Cramond Primary are grieving for the loss of their friend and classmate. I am so very grateful to all the staff at the school and other education officers who I know are working hard to help pupils and their families deal with such an awful tragedy.
“It is right that the police are given time to investigate the circumstances and determine the full facts of what happened last Friday. I know there will then be a joint on-site meeting with council road safety officers.
“However, as soon as we have conclusions, it is vital that the council considers what actions are necessary to improve safety in this area.
“We cannot turn the clock back, but we can look forward and make it a priority to ensure such a terrible situation does not happen again.”
Transport and environment convener Scott Arthur said: “What happened on Friday was awful, and I can’t stop thinking about it.
“In such a small city we all feel the impact of this tragic death, and must now work to ensure it is not repeated. We all share the desire for children to be able to walk or cycle safely to school and must work together to achieve that.
“The council is still awaiting information on what happened, and at the transport and environment committee on Thursday we will put a process in place which means we can respond quickly and robustly to the incident report. I will work to ensure budget is not a barrier to addressing any actions arising from this process.
“In the interim, I am happy to work with local the local community and ward councillors on interim measures.”
Helen Donaldson, head teacher of Cramond Primary School, said Thomas was “always smiling” and that he was a “positive, friendly and curious” boy.
She said: “We are utterly devastated by the tragic news of the sudden death of one our pupils. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time “He was kind and always eager to support others, and will be greatly missed by all of us.”
Insp Andrew Thomson from Police Scotland said: “Our thoughts are very much with Thomas’s family and friends. Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this time.
by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter
“We are continuing with our inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and would appeal to anyone who may have information, and has not yet contacted police, is to get in touch with officers.”
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