The installation of the new lamp posts marks the second stage in a program of road safety improvement works being carried out by Perth and Kinross Council in response to the death of 2-year-old Harlow Edwards last October, after a car mounted the pavement on Forfar Road.
In April the Council moved the 30mph signs approximately 50 yards further east and installed a series of ‘count down’ signs to warn motorists that they were about to enter a 30mph area.
Additional measures are to follow, including a signalised junction with Larghan View, making it safe for pedestrians to cross Forfar Road to the bus stop and Larghan Park. A recent letter from Perth and Kinross Council to Local residents says that road works will begin on the Forfar Road/Larghan view junction on 14th of Aug, taking 4 to 5 weeks. It will include a 3 way signalised junction, additional footway links within Larghan Park and the relocation of the bus stops - see drawing.
However, the letter goes on to say that no date has been set either for proposed speed limit changes, or for installation of the 4-way signalised junction planned for the junction between Forfar Road, Princeland Road and Coupar Angus Road (known locally as the Meadows Road). The council will write again to inform residents when a date comes available.
A further concern is the narrow section of pavement which extends eastwards along Forfar Road from the junction with Princeland Road (see image below). Perth and Kinross Council intends to widen this by removing a hedge and short section of wall. Negotiations with the landowners are ongoing.