Campaigners say that an Edinburgh street where a man was killed after suffering horrific injuries when he was struck by a bus has been a “known hazard” for more than 20 years. Living Streets, whose report in 2016 say Cowgate dubbed “the worst for walking” in the capital, is urging Edinburgh Council to pedestrianise the area following the tragic incident on Saturday.
A 74-year-old man was struck by a single-decker bus in Edinburgh’s crowded Cowgate on Saturday night as horrified revellers looked on during a packed Halloween night. The incident occurred around 7.30pm on November 2, with eyewitnesses claiming a ‘severed head’ was found on the street.
Pubs in the area were evacuated after dozens of officers were called to the Cowgate. Candlemaker Row, Guthrie Street, and Blair Street were closed. Forensic officers set up two separate tents at the scene as the investigation got underway.
Images circulated online showing the severed head of the alleged accident victim. Police have since urged users not to share the pictures and to report them to social media platforms.
Living Streets issued a report in June 2016, which saw locals slate the street. David Hunter, convener of the campaign group, described the Cowgate as dangerous for pedestrians.
He told the BBC: “Our report on the Cowgate eight years ago called it ‘the worst street in Edinburgh.‘ It’s been a known hazard for over 20 years, which is why traffic is banned from late in the evening.
“There have been some improvements — the 20 mph speed limit and double yellow lines — but with still-speeding traffic and dreadful pavements, it remains a really hostile and, at times, dangerous place for pedestrians.
“We shouldn’t jump to conclusions about the cause of the weekend’s horrific incident, but reducing traffic—or removing it entirely—from the Cowgate must be a top priority for the council’s traffic plans for the city.”
The report carried out on the Cowgate by Living Streets in June 2016 found that “heavy vehicular traffic” was the “biggest problem for pedestrians.” One survey participant described the street as a “dumping ground for traffic,” while another called it “the worst street in Edinburgh for walking.”
Current regulations prohibit vehicles from driving on the street after 10pm. The area is also subject to the city’s 20mph speed limit and Low Emission Zone requirements.
However, buses, cars, taxis, and heavy goods vehicles are allowed on the street before the curfew, provided they meet emissions standards. No Lothian bus routes operate on this street.
The council’s transport convener, Stephen Jenkinson, said: “I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of the gentleman who died in the tragic incident on the Cowgate over the weekend. The circumstances are still unknown, and it’s important that we allow the police to investigate fully before jumping to any conclusions.
“We remain firmly committed to making our city centre a safer, more welcoming environment for all road users, and the proposed improvements to the Cowgate are very much part of our plans.”
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