Calls for action after death at road blackspot - 62 year old pedestrian dies after driver collision in Pratt Street
Published: 04 August 2011
by JOSIE HINTON
TRADERS have called for action at a blind corner in Camden Town after a pedestrian was killed while attempting to cross the road.
The man was hit by a car as he stepped into Pratt Street shortly after 5.30pm on July 13.
Witnesses said the 62-year-old, who lived in Camden Town, was able to get up following the collision and “looked fine”. But he fell into a coma after being taken to the Royal Free Hospital and died a week later.
It is understood the female motorist, who was turning into Pratt Street from Bayham Street, was driving within the speed limit and was “very distressed” following the accident.
Traders who witnessed the collision have described seeing numerous near misses at the junction, which is a blind corner for both pedestrians and motorists.
Michael Dixon, who runs Timini’s gents’ hairdressing salon, in Bayham Street, said the council should extend the current barriers along Pratt Street to stop people stepping out into the road.
He added: “There’s a hostel just down the road and I’ve had to come out and tell tourists not to cross the road here.
“People just walk out with their iPods on and it’s very dangerous.”
A letting agent at Camden Letts added: “In the last year I’ve seen three people hit there and it is not going to be the last time. This junction is dangerous. Cars coming round the corner can’t see the road and pedestrians can’t see cars coming.
“Lorries get stuck here because they can’t get around.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed the death, but said no crime had been committed.
A spokeswoman for Camden Council said the blackspot had been highlighted as an area for safety works.
“This junction was highlighted in our assessment this year and public consultation on proposals to make the junction safer ended on 31 July,” the spokeswoman added. “Subject to approval for the proposals the council would aim to introduce improvements in early 2012.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the recent fatality at the junction of Pratt Street and Bayham Street.
“The council does all it can to make our roads as safe as possible for our residents and visitors.”