Road safety raised as tributes paid after girl, 12, hit by a car

A Lanarkshire woman has paid tribute to her 12-year-old granddaughter, who died after being struck by a car.

Abbie Mclaren was hit on The Loaning in Motherwell at about 4:15pm on Tuesday.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called. She was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow where she died.

Police confirmed a 38-yearold man is to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court in connection with alleged road traffic offences.

The child’s grandmother, Caroline Kennedy, posted a message on Facebook.

She said: “Tonight my heart has been ripped out. I can’t express how I feel. My precious granddaughter Abbie has been taken away from us, so young and so beautiful.

“Let the angels look after her now. She will sadly be missed and a part of my heart has died with her too. I love you so much Abbie. “

A crowdfunding page was set up to raise money for her family.

A petition has also been set up to address safety issues on The Loaning.

Organiser Chrissy Mccluskey wrote: “This is not the first incident on this road and if measures aren’t taken it won’t be the last.

“I urge that you sign this petition to try and get North Lanarkshire Council to consider putting traffic control measurements in place to stop this from happening again.”

Marion Fellows, MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, sent her condolences to the family and said the local community was “heartbroken” over what happened.

She added: “I have since written to North Lanarkshire Council to raise the community’s petition with them and to join their calls in demanding action to improve safety on The Loaning and surrounding streets.

“I have particular concerns over speeding cars and there being no safe place for pedestrians to cross.

“I have previously written to North Lanarkshire Council to raise the community’s fears over speeding and traffic on The Loaning. Signs had previously been added to the road, however, it is clear that much more is required.”

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “The council’s immediate focus is on supporting pupils, staff and the wider community who are deeply affected by this appalling tragedy and the condolences from everyone at the council are with Abbie’s family and friends.

“We will work with Police Scotland throughout their investigation into the circumstances and will take appropriate action based on their findings.”