New road safety measures to be examined in Barnton

A series of road safety measures may be put in place following the tragic death of a primary school pupil in Barnton last month.

Thomas Wong, 11, died after he was struck by the driver of a bin lorry in Whitehouse Road in Barnton, while he cycled to Cramond Primary School.

The collision occurred at the exit from the car park of the Royal Burgess Golf Club (RBGC).

City of Edinburgh councillors agreed at the Transport Committee meeting in March to look at “what actions are required to improve safety within this area including, if required, a review of the Cramond Primary School Travel Plan in conjunction with the school and Parent Council.

Lib Dem Group leader Kevin Lang, who represents the area, has now outlined changes that he says will be made in an update to locals.

These changes include significantly reducing the height of a hedge at the exit of the golf club this week to improve sightlines, and improved signage including new painted stop road markings as well as stop signage on existing sign poles, speed humps to reduce vehicle speeds on exit, and the possibility of installing “tactile mats” at either side of the exit to make it a continuous footway demonstrating that pedestrians have right of way, with temporary signage in the interim.

The Burgess are also to arrange waste collections and other HGV operations to avoid times when children are travelling to and from school.

Cllr Lang said that a possible reduction in the speed limit on Whitehouse Road to 20mph was being looked at, while a reduction from 40mph to 30mph on nearby Queensferry Road will be implemented this summer.

He has also asserted that proposals are being developed to improve infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists on Whitehouse Road and at the nearby Barnton junction, while the parking layout at shops yards from the site where Thomas died could be revised to improve pedestrian access.

Changes in the wider area will include a review of the “School Travel Plan” around Cramond Primary School.

Cllr Lang said more than 100 people from the community had volunteered to be part of a Cramond and Barnton Safety Action Group he had established, which “underlined the determination among local people to see positive action being taken”.

He added: “The final group has a good cross-section from right across the local area, and is looking at ideas on what further action could be taken to ensure the area is made safer.”
 
After his death, Thomas’s family described him as “the perfect son” and said they were “utterly heartbroken”. In a statement after the tragedy, they said: “He was the best little brother to his older sister and was adored by all his family.

“Thomas went to Cramond Primary School, which he loved. He made good friends there. We will all miss him terribly. We are very grateful for all the sympathy and heartfelt messages we have received from people. Thank you.”

Cramond Primary head teacher Helen Donaldson said: “He was kind and always eager to support others, and will be greatly missed by all of us.”

The tragedy shocked local people and hundreds of floral tributes lined the pavement for days afterwards.