The City of Edinburgh Council is facing significant backlash from local organisations and residents following its decision to allocate just £50,000 for improvements at a dangerous junction in the north of the city. The intersection at Telford Road, Hillhouse Road, and Strachan Road, often referred to as ‘Deathtrap Junction’, has been a longstanding concern due to its hazardous conditions, particularly for pedestrians.
The Council’s transport committee, which includes representatives from all five political parties, unanimously agreed earlier this month to proceed with the limited funding. However, the decision has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among advocacy groups that argue the allocated budget is far from sufficient to address the serious risks posed by the fast-moving traffic and complex layout of the junction.
The junction’s notorious reputation stems from the difficulties it presents to pedestrians, especially those who are visually impaired. Organisations supporting blind and partially sighted individuals have voiced their concerns, pointing out that the current setup makes it nearly impossible for these individuals to cross safely. The absence of essential pedestrian safety features, such as audible signals and adequate barriers, has been highlighted as a major issue, with Strachan Road being particularly criticised for its lack of crossing facilities despite the heavy traffic.
A spokesperson for a local charity expressed disappointment with the Council’s decision, stating that while the acknowledgment of the need for improvements is appreciated, the proposed budget is unlikely to make a meaningful difference. The charity underscored the importance of prioritising human safety over traffic flow, especially in such a densely populated area where residents rely on crossing these roads to access essential services like doctors’ surgeries, pharmacies, and schools.
Local councillors representing the area have echoed these concerns, stressing that the funding falls short of what is needed to ensure the safety of all residents. One councillor highlighted the importance of accessible crossings for the most vulnerable members of society, arguing that the Council’s actions should reflect its stated commitment to prioritising pedestrians. Another councillor pointed out that while the junction’s inclusion in the list of prioritised projects is a positive step, the limited budget allocated is unlikely to address the numerous dangers present.
Advocacy groups have called for the immediate implementation of basic safety measures, including the installation of tactile paving, audible signals, and other features designed to assist visually impaired pedestrians. They have warned that without these essential upgrades, individuals who rely on these features for safe navigation may be left isolated and unable to move about their community independently.
In response to the criticism, the Council’s transport and environment representative emphasised the seriousness with which pedestrian safety is taken. They acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that the feedback would be carefully considered as the scope of the project is finalised. The representative outlined potential improvements that are being explored, such as installing rotating cones at pedestrian crossings and adding tactile paving at key points.
The Council is currently working to determine what improvements can be made within the existing budget, with plans to finalise the project’s scope in the near future. However, the question remains whether the allocated funding will be sufficient to make the junction safe for all users.
As discussions continue, there is growing pressure on the Council to increase its commitment to addressing the safety concerns at this critical junction. Residents and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation, hoping that further action will be taken to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable members of the community are not overlooked. The safety of Edinburgh’s streets must remain a priority, and it is crucial that the Council takes decisive steps to protect all of its citizens.
