Road safety plans

‘You can replace a car but you cannot replace a child’

People living in the Westbay Court apartments complex on Albert Road — near both Grove Academy and Eastern Primary — fear there will be a serious accident unless action is taken to stop cars blocking their shared driveway at school opening and closing times.

After talks between local councillor Laurie Bidwell and Dundee City Council’s transport team, a solution could be in sight.

New road markings would be used to deter rogue parkers and keep the driveway clear.

Resident Helen Youngson hailed the idea tabled by Mr Bidwell as a positive move in the fight to make the neighbourhood safer for pedestrians.

She said: “What he’s come up with is a great solution for everyone. They’ll repaint the lines, wider, and have the words ‘keep clear’ painted to make the driveway more visible.

“We don’t want to cause problems for anyone else but the reason we’ve pushed for this is through a genuine fear for the schoolchildren.

“You can replace a car, but you can’t replace a child.”

Ferry councillor Mr Bidwell said: “I met residents to tell them about the improvements to road markings the council had offered to provide.

“This follows many months of campaigning about the entrance drive being obstructed by inconsiderately parked cars on the road outside.

“The residents’ concern was not just about their own convenience and being able to gain access to their driveway and their off-street parking, but also the safety of pedestrians walking along their street.”

A city council spokeswoman said: “We are monitoring the situation and are looking at all options available to us.”

PLANS have been drawn-up to improve road safety in Broughty Ferry after residents raised concerns children’s lives were being put at risk.

Residents Helen Youngson and Lena McGregor with Councillor Laurie Bidwell at the affected stretch of road.