Edinburgh’s Cowgate Street, labelled the ‘worst street in the capital’ in a report years before a tragic bus crash, has raised concerns among campaigners for pedestrian safety. Living Streets, a campaign group, highlighted in their 2016 report that Cowgate was notorious as the most hazardous street for pedestrians in Edinburgh. Following a recent incident where a 74-year-old man was fatally struck by a bus, calls for pedestrianizing the area have intensified.
The fatal accident, which occurred on a busy Halloween night, shook witnesses as emergency services responded to the scene. Forensic tents were swiftly erected, and surrounding streets such as Candlemaker Row, Guthrie Street, and Blair Street were closed off to investigate the incident. Living Streets emphasized the longstanding issues with Cowgate, citing traffic congestion and poor pedestrian infrastructure as continuous risks.
David Hunter, the convener of Living Streets, reiterated the urgent need to address the safety concerns on Cowgate. Despite some improvements like speed restrictions and traffic limitations at night, the street remains perilous for pedestrians due to speeding vehicles and inadequate walkways. Hunter stressed the importance of reducing or eliminating traffic on Cowgate to prevent further tragedies.
Living Streets’ 2016 report identified heavy vehicular traffic as a significant challenge for pedestrians on Cowgate, with locals describing it as a hazardous and unwelcoming environment for walking. While current regulations restrict vehicle access after 10 pm and enforce lower speed limits, buses, cars, taxis, and heavy goods vehicles are permitted before the curfew if they meet emission standards.
Edinburgh Council’s transport convener, Stephen Jenkinson, expressed condolences to the family of the victim and affirmed the city’s commitment to enhancing road safety. Plans for improving Cowgate are underway as part of broader efforts to create a safer urban environment for all road users. Investigations into the recent incident are ongoing, with a focus on enhancing pedestrian safety along Cowgate.
The tragic events on Cowgate serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize pedestrian safety in highly congested urban areas. As cities evolve, addressing infrastructure challenges and promoting safe walking environments become paramount for creating inclusive and liveable communities. Cooperation between authorities, campaigners, and residents is essential to ensure that streets like Cowgate are transformed into safer spaces for everyone.