AN ALLOA mum has called for action after several near misses on a busy route through the town.
Pleh Sneh wants something to be done to improve safety at a crossing on Clackmannan Road close to the Forth Valley College campus.
She has now launched a petition in her efforts to achieve improvements before a tragedy takes place.
"My daughter Isla is two and she started nursery at Park ELC in January," said Pleh. "I walk up Whin Road and cross at the crossing at Forth Valley College. Everything was fine but just before the summer holidays there was one incident where we were on our way home. I had picked her up and she was asleep in the pram.
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"I pressed the button – I am cautious about crossing for I wait for it to go on the green man – and stepped out and all of a sudden this car went past. I froze on the spot and was not sure whether to stop or keep going. I was so shaken.
"I thought I have had enough now. There is no excuse."
She has been to Clackmannanshire Council and the police without any satisfaction but has also spoken to local councillor Jane McTaggart about possible solutions.
"She has assured me she going to do what she can," added Pleh.
The petition, which can be found online here, calls on the council to "act quickly" and place speed cameras at the crossing.
It adds: "This isn't just my story; it's a frightening reality for many parents and children in our neighbourhood. This dangerous crossing is a significant route for families travelling to and from nursery and school.
"We're all trying to go about our daily lives, but the constant fear of being hit by an oncoming vehicle is nerve-wracking. It's not a question of if someone will get hurt, but when.
"Let's prevent a tragic accident before it happens and ensure our neighbourhood is a safe haven for everyone. Please sign this petition and help us keep our children secure on their way to learn and grow. Together, we can make a change."
Clackmannanshire Council's spokesperson for Place, Councillor Scott Harrison, said: “We understand how concerning it must be to feel unsafe when crossing the road, and we take these concerns very seriously.
“The issue here arises from some drivers failing to observe the lawful requirement to stop when traffic lights turn red.
"While this is ultimately a matter for Police Scotland, we will be liaising with them to establish whether concerns have already been raised and to request targeted patrols in this area.
“In addition, our staff will visit the site to monitor driver behaviour. We are also progressing proposals to introduce a 20mph speed limit on a section of Clackmannan Road, just east of the traffic lights, which should help to reduce overall vehicle speeds. We are also looking at whether visibility of the lights can be improved on the approach.
“Road and pedestrian safety is a priority for the Council, and we will continue to work with our partners in Police Scotland to ensure that local people can feel confident and safe when crossing at this location.”
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