Dundee City Council is “actively pursuing” the creation of a permanent crossing point outside a busy primary school after hundreds of parents called for enhanced safety measures.
More than 400 parents and carers of school children at Broughty Ferry’s Forthill Primary School signed a petition urging Dundee City Council to install a road safety crossing covering Forthill Road.
Popular lollipop lady Freda Doig has previously been ordered to only help children cross Balgillo Road, not Forthill Road.
Parents say this is dangerous because children cross Forthill Road to get to a nearby shop.
Angela Lyall, whose children attend Forthill Primary, recently witnessed a primary five child come within inches of being hit by a car while attempting to cross the road.
Now, Broughty Ferry councillor Kevin Cordell and Ferry resident Councillor Vari McDonald have revealed steps are being taken to meet parents’ wishes.
It’s understood Dundee City Council is considering, among other things, creating either a zebra or pelican crossing on Forthill Road.
Mr Cordell said: “Subsequent discussions have confirmed that, whilst extensive local consultation would be required, potential funding sources have been identified as a result of the SNP administration’s recent budget and I believe this could well be the solution to the concerns that many parents have raised over the junction’s safety.
“Parents need to be reassured that when their children set off for school in the morning the route they are taking is the safest one possible.”
Ms McDonald, who is also a parent in the area, said: “Along with Councillor Cordell, I recently attended a multi- agency meeting to explore ways that the issues with the Forthill Road/Balgillo Road junction could be resolved.
“Councillor Cordell and I then arranged a site visit with an officer from city development, where it was confirmed the idea of establishing a crossing point at a site between Luke Place and Balgillo Road is being actively pursued.”
Ms Lyall welcomed the development.
She said: “It’s really good news. I’m pleased the council has come round to agreeing.
“I walk by that way every day and I’ve seen a couple of near misses. It’s horrific.
“But what and when is the next question.
“It’s good that, from my perspective, people power, or parent power, has gone quite a significant way.”
