Road changes outside school
Politicians act after child knocked down
New road safety measures have been put in place outside a primary school after calls for action by a councillor and an MSP.
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig councillor Nathan Wilson and Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson pursued the issue with North Lanarkshire Council after a young child was hit by a car outside St Brendan’s at the end of May.
This was the fourth such incident to have occurred within the vicinity of St Brendan’s and also the neighbouring Muirhouse Primary over the last few years
Yellow zig-zags and ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings have been re-painted along with two 20’s plenty road signs on Barons Road leading up to the schools.
The council have introduced a dropped kerb and extended the metal barriers outside the school.
Councillor Wilson said: “I was very concerned when I heard that a young girl had been knocked down by a car outside St Brendan’s at the end of May.
“And I was even more concerned to find out that it was not the first such accident to occur here and at Muirhouse.
“Both Graham Simpson and I were determined to secure road safety improvements at the schools and I am pleased that the council have acted to introduce a dropped kerb, extend the metal barriers and re-paint the road markings at St Brendan’s.
“Whilst these are significant improvements, their effectiveness in improving road safety at St Brendan’s and Muirhouse will have to be monitored and further traffic calming measures cannot be ruled out in future.”
Mr Simpson added: “Schools get very busy particularly at closing times and the safety of the children is paramount.
“That’s why I am delighted that the council has listened to the concerns we raised with them and has acted to improve the situation on the ground.”
The MSP concluded: “We must now monitor things once the schools go back to make sure there is an improvement.”