Work on a radical safety plan to put the brakes on speeders at a notorious accident black spot is due to begin next week.
A campaign for new safety measures on the A94 at Coupar Angus was triggered by the tragic death of two-year-old Harlow Edwards, who was knocked down and killed in October last year.
The toddler’s family have helped shape a package of improvements aimed at making the route, near popular Larghan Park, safer.
Perth and Kinross Council has said the first phase of the work will begin in the coming days.
Tayside Contracts have been tasked with installing new signs and road markings. Restrictions will be put in place during the work, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 24. The route will be kept open throughout the week-long operation.
The work was initially planned to begin this week and spread over a fortnight, but has now been re-arranged.
Stage one of the upgrade was approved by the council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee earlier this year.
Councillors unanimously backed a bid to create a part-time 20mph limit on Forfar Road, on the edge of town.
Future work is expected to include red anti-skid road marking and widened footways.
Some local residents were angry at a perceived lack of action by Perth and Kinross Council, amid claims that safety concerns were raised more than 10 years ago.
To illustrate the point, one local risked the wrath of police when they altered 30mph signs at each of the town’s entrances, creating an unofficial 20mph zone.
This year, safety campaigners installed scarecrow police officers in an effort to slow down passing motorists.
Enterprise and infrastructure convener John Kellas welcomed the new roadworks. “There was considerable and very positive input from the community, as well as council officers and the police,” he said.
“We have ensured that a holistic approach is being taken to road safety issues.”
Harlow’s parents Sara and Steve Edwards made a call for action at a meeting of the Coupar Angus Community Council in November.
Mrs Edwards said: “From what we have seen, drivers on Forfar Road accelerate long before they reach the 60mph limit.
“We need physical traffic calming measures to make it impossible for people to drive at speed. What we need is urgent action and I’m sure you all understand why we feel this way.”
