Elli death should spark improvements

Jan 11 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A COMMUNITY leader yesterday called for improved road safety on the A9 following the death of teenager Elli Williams.

It is thought that the 16-year-old had been returning from Gleneagles train station at the time of the tragic incident last Tuesday night.

And that has prompted Auchterarder Community Council chairman Michael Benton to reveal he has seen previous seen pleas for action rejected by Perth and Kinross Council and Transport Scotland, who allegedly cited financial constraints.

Explaining that commuters face a lengthy walk across the Lang Toon’s golf course to reach the station, or to brave a quicker route which involves the risks associated with the busy trunk road, Mr Benton said “all kinds of things could be done” to solve the problem.

“We have been going on about this for a very long time, but all we get is the standard answer that there is no money,” he said.

“If any good can come from the tragic death of Elli then I hope it would focus attention on this.

“There are all kinds of things that can be done to improve access.”

Describing the process as “complicated”, due to the involvement of several parties, including Perth and Kinross Council, ScotRail, local landowners and Transport Scotland, Mr Benton demanded action be taken and said that finding a solution “was not impossible”.

“The idea of a footbridge has been knocked on the head because the centre area isn’t wide enough,” he continued.

Speed cameras

“But even if they put speed cameras at the side of the road down there it would lessen the risk of an accident.

“We keep raising it and keep getting told no, but we have a meeting later this month and this will be firmly on the agenda.

“I hope this time something will come of it.”

Elli, of Auchterarder’s Montrose Road, died last Tuesday after being struck by “a number of vehicles” on the notorious stretch.

The Morrison’s Academy pupil, who worked part-time in the town’s Indulge cafe, lived with her mum Cara-Lee, step-dad Paul, brother Joss and sisters Ines and Eva.

Speaking to the PA yesterday, Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham explained she would meet with the chief executive of Transport Scotland following their joint site investigation with the police.

“Whatever the outcome of those investigations, there is no doubt in my mind that improvements are required,” she said.

“Costs will, of course, always be an issue but I will be pushing for significant improvements in pedestrian safety measures in this area.

“Meantime, in the short term, even something as simple as better signage aimed both at drivers and pedestrians would be a start.”

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “This is a matter for Transport Scotland to comment on, as they are responsible for the road.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends at this time.

“As this is an ongoing police investigation we are currently unable to provide further comment.”