OAP knocked down on city ‘rat run’ road

AN elderly woman has been rushed to hospital after being hit by a car as she crossed a road described as a “rat run” during rush hour.

The 81-year-old, who has not been named, was struck by a dark-coloured Ford Focus on Broughton Road just after 5pm yesterday.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and the pensioner was immediately taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Police said she had not been seriously injured.

It is understood the woman had been crossing to a traffic island on the busy road when the accident took place.

The road remained closed for more than 90 minutes as police officers tested the brakes and stopping distance of the car.

Residents Alex Brown, 47, said: “I heard a car blowing its horn at around 5pm but thought nothing of it as you hear that every day around here. It was only when I saw the blue flashing lights outside that I knew something was up.

“Cars are always flying down the road, especially during rush hour, and from the direction that the car was travelling, too. They come down the hill and around the corner before hitting the brakes.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I heard all the commotion when the police and ambulance arrived. The road is busy at the best of times but during rush hour it gets really busy.

“Drivers use it as a rat run and zip along it.”

The traffic island is located directly opposite a playground while Broughton Primary is just yards up the road.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We received a call regarding a road traffic incident on Broughton Road at 5.03pm. A paramedic response vehicle and an ambulance both attended and an elderly female was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this accident to come forward and make themselves known.”