Peeblesshire News | News | More safety work for A72

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2008 15:30

More safety work for A72

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AN elderly man was killed last Friday in another crash on the A72.

The 79-year-old from Lanarkshire died in hospital following a collision in the village of Symington.

And another motorist was badly injured the following day after a crash at the Castle Craig bends, west of Peebles.

Improvement work was been carried out on the lower stretches of the road, which is regarded as one of the most dangerous in the country, by Scottish Borders Council.

But calls are being made for even more safety measures to be introduced.

Local MSP Christine Grahame told the Peeblesshire News: "First of all my condolences are with the families of the elderly gentleman who died and the injured biker.

"I think that whilst there have been some minor improvements to this road recently it is clear that more needs to be done to improve its safety record.

"Among the initiatives I am actively pursuing with Scottish Borders Council is an enhanced ‘Careful Driver Initiative’ aimed initially at commercial operators such as farm vehicles and supermarket wagons which use the road.”

A total of 15 lives have been lost in the past seven years on the Borders section of the highway that runs from Hamilton down to Galashiels.

And is still used as a shortcut by many heading to and from the central belt.

The MSP added: "A more comprehensive investigation at the how drivers are using this road may highlight specific areas which should be tackled as a priority.

“I would urge the Council to establish, in addition to my initiative, a cross-agency group comprising of the Police, roads department and expert consultants in this area to see how we could improve the safety of this obviously dangerous road."

Friday’s fatality happened just over the border in South Lanarkshire, when the pensioner’s Vauxhall Corsa collided head-on with a refuse lorryat 11.35a.m.

The victim was rushed to Wishaw General Hospital but later died.

A biker did survive a crash the following day less than 10 miles down the same road.

The 45-year-old from Hawick suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries when he left the road at the notorious Castle Craig bends.

Other drivers came to the biker’s assistance until the emergency services arrived.

He was rushed to Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary just before noon.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “The injured rider left the road on a left-hand bend for reasons that are yet unknown. He was taken to hospital where his injuries are not considered life threatening.

“We would like to hear from anyone with information.”

More than 5,000 vehicles travel up and down the A72 every day – and floral tributes along the roadside are stark reminders of its dangers.

Scottish Borders Council spent almost £500,000 in attempting to make the A72 from Blythe Bridge down to Clovenford safer.

Work included resurfacing, cutting back roadside foliage, improving markings and repairing barriers.

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