Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Safety call after Uta’s lucky escape Petition launched in bid to improve traffic chaos
A concerned parent who was hit by a car while pushing a buggy across a road near Chapelhall Primary has called for increased traffic safety measures to be installed.
Uta Langnickel-Miller had a lucky escape when she was struck on the side by a reversing vehicle in Russell Street – outside the school gates – last Wednesday afternoon.
The 38-year-old childminder was with three youngsters and says if the children had been walking on her other side, they could have been “hit and badly injured”.
Mum- of- two Uta claims v e h i c l e s a re re g u l a r l y parked “inconsiderably and dangerously” outside the school at all times, making it “impossible for anybody to cross the road safely”.
She has launched an online petition demanding action which has already attracted more than 200 supporters.
Uta told the Advertiser: “I was lightly struck last week and although no-one was injured, we were all very shaken up.
“The driver didn’t see me or the buggy, so what chance do the kids at the school have in similar circumstances?
“The horrendous traffic and parking in Russell Street is very dangerous and a fatal accident is a real possibility.
“I have a son who attends Chapelhall Primary and it’s worrying to think of the risks he and the other pupils face.
“Last Wednesday’s incident was the final straw and made me decide to set up the petition.
“I’ve been delighted by the response which shows there are widespread concerns.”
Uta has suggested some solutions that she would like to see implemented.
She said: “Yellow lines need to be installed on Russell Street, right up to the Asher Road junction; there are no yellow lines down on the main entrance.
“We also need a crossing patrol at this gate to ensure our children can cross safely.
“There is a lack of consistency from the council as there are roundabouts and yellows lines at other schools.
“All I want is to keep the children safe.”
Uta and Airdrie South councillor Michael Coyle have organised a meeting tonight in the Laurel Gardens sheltered housing complex at 7pm.
Councillor Coyle said: “This will be attended by police and council representatives and members of the community are invited to come along.
“The situation is an accident waiting to happen and the sooner something is done the better.
“Chapelhall and St Aloysius’ primaries is the biggest joint campus in North Lanarkshire, so there are lots of children at risk.
“I am 100 per cent behind Uta’s petition and will do whatever I can to help.”
A council spokesperson said: “The traffic issues are generally caused by people collecting and dropping off pupils.
“A number of traffic regulations have been put in place in the past to address parking issues and help ensure pupils can cross the road safely.
“There is a car park for parents to use when dropping off and picking up, a school crossing patroller has been provided and roads and transportation introduced parking restrictions and keep clear lining to address the parking problems in Honeywell Crescent.
“Bollards were also installed to stop parking on the footways.
“We are not aware yet of the details of the most recent event, however we will revisit the location and assess whether further measures are appropriate.
“The school also regularly asks parents to park considerately and consider the safety of pupils at all times.”
A police spokesperson confirmed Airdrie officers are monitoring the situation and have called on residents to observe the rules of the road and park their vehicles in a “safe and controlled manner”.