Edinburgh Krispy Kreme: Fears over dangerous road

Customers of the new Edinburgh Krispy Kreme shop are crossing a dangerous three-lane road on foot to reach the store, sparking concerns for safety.

Concerns have been raised about the site after it emerged people had been parking near the outlet at Hermiston Gait and then walking across the busy road to get the store.

The problem has become so bad that bosses at the retail park have drafted in extra security to help keep people safe around the store.

Krispy Kreme has been inundated by sweet-toothed fans since opening its doors at 7am last Wednesday to a queue of some 300 people.

The store went on to record the chain’s biggest launch yet, serving 400 customers in the first hour and taking £66,000 on its first day of trading.

However, the Capital’s enthusiasm for the sugary treats has led to ongoing traffic disruption in the area, with queues still being reported at peak times.

It soon emerged that the car park adjoining the store has been unable to contain all those wishing to visit, leading many to leave their vehicles in the main Hermiston Gait car park across the road. Though there is a safe crossing point, some have chosen to cross the busy road instead.

Mick Powell, Hermiston Gait Retail Park manager, said: “It’s fair to say that the success of Krispy Kreme has exceeded all expectations. Traffic has been heavy, and at times the queue to the drive-in has tailed back. Some people have taken the option to park in the main retail park area and walk across to the store.

“There is a dedicated footpath with a crossing offering safe access from the retail park. However, occasionally, some people have chosen to walk directly across the road, which offers a slightly shorter route as the crow flies, but is clearly not in the interests of safety.

“At peak times we have added extra security staff to act as traffic marshalls to deter people from doing so.”

Lothian and Borders Police said they had not had any reports of people crossing the road unsafely.

Judith Denby, chief marketing officer at Krispy Kreme UK, added: “Obviously we are delighted with the unprecedented excitement around the opening of our first Scottish store, which coincided with half-term holidays last week. The number of customers we served is way beyond our expectations for the peaks we usually see in the first few days of trading.

“We have made Edinburgh police aware of the traffic congestion caused by queuing for the car park and will continue to monitor it and advise customers on safe areas to park their cars.”

In 1998, a 15-year old boy was killed after running out on to the City Bypass. Craig Meacock was struck by a VW Corrado car near Hermiston Gait as he made his way from the Gogar area towards his home in Sighthill. The accident was witnessed by his friends.

Craig, who had been a pupil at Forrester High School, was confirmed dead at the scene.

Local SNP councillor Catherine Fullerton said: “Why would someone risk their own life – and the life of drivers – just to save a couple of minutes? I would hate to see any accidents happen and urge people to use common sense when visiting the store.”