Campaigners in Maryfield have turned to the internet to have a pedestrian crossing installed on what they describe as a “raceway.”
An online petition is requesting the installation of a crossing on Pitkerro Road with those behind the document saying it is a necessity before a life is lost.
The petition, spearheaded by residents and backed by organisations in the area, claims there have been at least three incidents of people being struck by cars in the last 18 months on the route, which runs past Morgan Academy and is used by many as a rat run to the city centre.
The road has no designated crossing points and within hours of going online the petition had already gathered over 40 names.
One of those backing the petition is Baxter Park Terrace resident Cory Campbell, whose son Alex (9) was hit by a car on Pitkerro Road in December 2009.
Although his son was fortunate not to sustain serious injuries, Mr Campbell argues that another child may not be so lucky.
He said, “My son was hit by a car going at around 30 mph. He was only hit by the wing mirror and was very lucky as he landed on his shoulder and not his head.Very scary”The ambulance got there within 30 minutes and everything went perfectly if I can say that after that. But if Alex had been another inch forward and he had hit the bumper then that would have been it. It was very scary”
Asked why he felt Pitkerro Road was particularly in need of a pedestrian crossing, Mr Campbell added, “It’s a combination of both speed and volume of traffic. It’s just a raceway.”
Mr Campbell said that the petition has the backing of Friends of Baxter Park, Morgan Academy and Dundee Women’s International Centre.
Although no exact location has been proposed for a crossing, it is thought Dundee City Council could only decide matters such as this upon completion of a survey.
Yesterday city development convener Will Dawson told us he had been unaware of any efforts to install a crossing on the road, but stated steps to assess the situation could be taken.
He said, “We would have to conduct a survey and see if there is a justification for it. We have to do a survey to sample usage and see if it would make sense to install a crossing.
“I know that road well and I know that it can be a nightmare to cross. It’s possible that something can be looked at and I’ll ask the department to look into it, but I always say that I can’t promise anything.”
Neil Gellatly, head of transportation, added, “We’ve been approached by the local community to provide a crossing in the area of Morgan Academy.
“We’re are looking at the areas concerned and will be conducting surveys.”You can sign the petition here.