Dangerous Roads Affect House Prices Edinburgh

Busy roads are causing house prices to fall Houses on dangerous roads can be worth several thousand pounds less than equivalent houses on safer roads, according to estate agents.

Just three per cent of respondents to a poll of members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) think that an unsafe road would not devalue a property.

Thirty-five per cent, on the other hand, think that being located on a dangerous road can devalue a property by as much as £10,000.

The survey coincides with road safety week, an annual event designed to stimulate community involvement in road-safety awareness.

Figures from the road safety charity Brake show that ten people die on roads every day, and the NAEA says calls for speed cameras and 20 mph safety zones outside schools provide food for thought.

NAEA chief executive Peter Bolton King said: "Calls upon the government and local authorities to endorse specially-designed 'safety zones' to help drivers remember their responsibilities in residential areas will make these roads less hazardous.

"Safety is clearly at the forefront of residents' minds and this is reflected by the impact on house prices.

"It is worth noting that any safety measures carried out may help to prevent some of the price differential."

Road safety week runs between November 7th and 13th.