Girl hits a dead end in bid to drive out 'illegal' road signs

Published on Wednesday 10 September 2008 10:15

A TEENAGE waitress has failed in an ambitious bid to challenge the legality of Edinburgh's road signs.

Leanne Cochrane, from Prestonpans, refused to accept a fine for driving into the Cowgate late at night and fought the charge in court.

The 19-year-old left court in tears yesterday after being unable to prove that the no-entry signs – which operate between 10pm and 5am – were unlawful.

After rejecting her pleas, a justice of the peace fined her 150 and gave her three penalty points on her licence.

The court heard how the waitress was caught driving in the restricted area last October and was charged under the Road Traffic Act.

She had driven past the signs as she travelled from the Grassmarket into the Cowgate at about 12.45am.

JP Ewan Hawthorn told Edinburgh Justice of the Peace Court: "I have given this case a great deal of thought because it has some difficult issues.

"However, most of those issues have been resolved, in my mind at least, by looking at the 1988 Road Traffic Act."

The JP said Cochrane, who represented herself in court, had failed to prove that the sign had not been authorised.

"I have to conclude that this sign was lawful," said Mr Hawthorn.

"I conclude that you are, beyond reasonable doubt, guilty.

"Having heard the evidence and reached the verdict that I have, I am going to impose a fine of 150 and three penalty points."

Cochrane, of Preston Terrace, has been given time to pay the fine but left the court in tears with her father.

The ban on driving along the road between Robertson's Close and George IV Bridge was introduced in a bid to improve road safety.

It was imposed following two late night hit-and-run accidents which took place in the Cowgate in two years.

Since the curb on traffic, the number of accidents has fallen dramatically from 35 in the three years before the ban – including one fatal and three serious – to ten, only one of which was serious, in the three years after.

Community leaders later called for the ban to be scrapped amid claims it caused antisocial behaviour, by encouraging drunks to loiter in the street.

Bruce Young, of the Association of British Drivers, said it was important motorists should challenge local authorities in cases where they genuinely believe signs are carelessly placed.

He said: "Unfortunately, many councils are being quite slapdash about signage.

"What is also unfortunate, is that for people who do challenge them and lose, it can be quite costly."

Cochrane could not be contacted for comment following the case.