TV and radio host and avid cycling campaigner Jeremy Vine has turned his ire on Edinburgh drivers, branding them "lawless and ridiculous" for ignoring a no-turn junction in the capital.
The 57-year-old Radio 2 host shared a video created by Edward Tissiman, a safety campaigner, of Edinburgh motorists having several near misses with pedestrians as they tried to drive through a green man signal. Edinburgh Live reports that the ban on turning off into Brunswick Road from Leith Walk was introduced as part of the tram extension works that will see the city's trolleys run as far as Leith.
However, the junction has been the subject of road safety campaigners' anger because drivers who are used to making the turn are ignoring the rule. They say inconsiderate drivers are putting pedestrians at risk because drivers are turning while there is a green man signal at the pedestrian crossing.
Vine said in his tweet: "This is completely lawless and ridiculous. You could get £10,000 fines in a day here — and they should.
"No left turn; these drivers are going when pedestrians have a green man to cross. Nuts."
Edinburgh City Council has put up a number of signs – including a permanent sign on the traffic light at the junction – in a bid to deter motorists from making the illegal manoeuvre. But campaigners say this has done little to dissuade bad drivers from putting others at risk.
He tweeted: "Edinburgh Council have failed to make this junction safe for pedestrians. I first reported it 31 days ago. There are NINE no-left turn signs."
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener for the council, said: "Right-hand turns into Brunswick Road are not permitted, as signage at the junction specifies. Anyone who does this is breaking the law and endangering other road users."
Social media users had a mixed response to Vine's tweet. Some sided with the Channel 5 presenter's take on the situation while others said Edinburgh drivers were struggling with old habits.
Judith tweeted: "Context!!!! The explanation (not excuse) is that this area has been plagued with road works and diversions for years because of tram works. Make sure you have the facts before pontificating on something you know nothing about."
But Vine was quick to snap back: "And your reason for driving your car straight at pedestrians is -- ?".
Andy Cox agreed with the presenter, opining: "Dear oh dear... I hope there is opportunity for enforcement action to be taken against these selfish reckless drivers."
Another social media user added: "Then there must be something wrong with the road network. Confusing? Changed recently? Too many signs? Those drivers seem confused rather than intent on breaking the rules?".
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