Call for action after OAP, 97, dies in tragic car accident

CRIEFF: Incident in town centre increases volume of concern over serious congestion

A pensioner, 97, has died after being struck by a car in Crieff.

Renewed calls to improve road safety in the town have been made following the accident on Saturday morning.

Officers rushed to the West High Street just before 9.45am after being alerted by the Scottish Ambulance Service that an elderly man had been hit by a vehicle.

The man, who has not been named by police, was taken directly to hospital after the incident involving a red Nissan Note happened on the junction with Galvelmore Street.

Eyewitnesses reported a significant police presence, with part of the street being blocked off by three squad cars.

A spokesperson said: “Police Scotland is appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision involving a Red Nissan Note car and a pedestrian which occurred on Galvelmore Street, Crieff at about 9.40 am on September 7.

“The 97-year-old man was treated by ambulance service personnel but sadly later died in hospital.

“The driver of the car was uninjured. “Officers investigating this incident are looking for witnesses who may have been in the area of Galvelmore Street and saw either the pedestrian or the vehicle prior to, or at the time of, the collision.

“If you can assist with information, please contact Police Scotland on 101.”

Crieff road safety campaigner Craig Finlay said he believed the incident only reinforced the need for action on the busy A85 trunk road.

He said: “The news of this accident on the High Street is very upsetting, but not altogether surprising given the volume of concern people feel about crossing this extremely congested and busy road.

“I’m currently running a petition aimed at getting safer crossing measures over East High Street, but in my campaign I have had a high number of people also raise the issue of crossing the road at West High Street.

“I would urge Transport Scotland to meet with concerned residents to look at what can be done”.

The petition is open until Saturday and can be signed at The Handy Shop.

Transport Scotland said they were not yet aware of the circumstances.