Crossing could be installed on ‘dangerous’ road near Tarves School

A new crossing could be installed on a “dangerous” Aberdeenshire road – as the council probes speeding near a village school.

Tarves residents are concerned traffic passes the primary school on Duthie Road and nearby pharmacy too quickly.

Their worries have been raised by Mid-Formartine Conservative Derek Ritchie, who has called for a crossing on the straight road through the village.

Roads officials are now to investigate claims drivers “don’t obey” the 20mph speed limit in force as youngsters make their way to and from school.

Why does Tarves need a new road crossing?

Mr Ritchie said it was an issue that has been raised “a lot” by constituents as the road is “full of traffic and really busy” at peak times.

He added: “A crossing would help youngsters on their way to school and as there’s a chemist here, I hope it would help older people cross at the same time.”

And Mr Ritchie thinks the crossing could be useful in the future as the village grows in size.

He predicts “a lot of problems” as the school roll grows – and with it, the number of cars dropping pupils off.

Road crossing would make ‘big difference’ to Tarves

Residents agreed it would be a “very good thing for the village”.

One woman said: “It’s a straight road, people don’t obey the speed limit and as the school roll is growing. I can’t understand why there shouldn’t be a crossing here.

“After school, parents park all the way up the street. You can’t see when you are crossing so I think it would be a good idea.”

Another thought the safety measure would make a “big difference”.

She said: “I know it’s busy down here at the school and it’s dangerous.

“It’s easy for kids just to come out and run across the road. I think because it’s a straight road, folk forget to slow down.

“We do need a crossing here.”

Council to conduct speed survey on busy road

Aberdeenshire Council has now agreed to carry out a speed survey in the area early next year.

Officials will gather information on the number of vehicles using the road and determine if there is a need for traffic calming measures.

A council spokesman said it was “too early” to give a timescale for the project.

He added the work would also depend on budgets.