Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has called on Perth and Kinross Council to guarantee the presence of a school crossing patroller at the Dundee Road/Bowerswell Road junction.
The previous lollipop lady recently left her post at Dundee/Bowerswell Road and Perth and Kinross Council are currently considering whether to install a replacement. The crossing is heavily used by children going to Kinnoull Primary School from Gannochy, Bridgend and Potterhill and is adjacent to a road with fast moving traffic.
Currently the only alternative safe place to cross is back along the Dundee Road to the pedestrian crossing at Bridgend before crossing again at Kinnoull Church which represents a much longer route that many children will avoid.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Dundee Road is a major arterial route and one of the busiest roads in Perth and it is vital that there is a crossing warden to help school children get across the junction with Bowerswell Road safely.
“School pupil safety must be the primary concern for Perth and Kinross Council. I have written to the Chief Executive to press this point home as there can be no substitute to having a crossing attendant help youngsters cross safely.
“With schools having recently returned following the summer holidays it is imperative that the Council makes a quick decision on replacing the previous lollipop lady at Dundee Road"
Commenting Cllr Heather Stewart said:
“I am very concerned that there is no lollipop provision at this is very busy junction.
“Perth and Kinross council need to rectify this situation as soon as possible or risk a serious incident.
“Encouraging children to make healthy life choices, like walking to school, is important but they must be do so safely and I would encourage the council to make a quick decision.”