Calls for new roundabout at accident spot

Published on Wednesday 8 July 2009 09:51

CALLS have been made for a roundabout to be created at a notorious accident blackspot on a busy Edinburgh commuter route.

Leadburn junction, near Penicuik in Midlothian, has been at the centre of a series of horrendous crashes – including a fatal accident in 2005 when a car smashed into a pub.

The junction connects the A701 Penicuik road, A703 from Peebles and A6094 to Bonnyrigg.

Local Lib Dem councillor Ken Brown said: "Leadburn junction remains fundamentally unsafe for drivers. I want to see funding put in place to secure a roundabout for this dangerous site."

A Midlothian Council spokesman said: "Council officers met with Howgate Community Council on 30 April to explore what further improvements could be made until a decision on the long-term layout of the junction is reached – subject to a suitable budget being approved.

"Improvements made meanwhile include anti-skid surfacing, improved visibility splays, re-alignment of the roads and improvements to signs and lighting."