Pupils walking to a new school will be in serious danger unless a bridge is built to get them across a busy road, a councillor has warned.
Construction of the 1,350-pupil academy at Loirston is under way, with the first pupils due to be taught there from August next year.
Safety fears have been raised however over the daily journey faced by young people from parts of Cove.
They will have to cross the busy Wellington Road at the Souter Head roundabout to get to the classrooms at Lochside Academy.
Now Andrew Finlayson, who represents the area on the city council, is pressing for a secure passage to be provided.
He will use a full council meeting this month to demand a study into building a footbridge – or an underpass – paid for from bus lane fines.
Mr Finlayson, of the Independent Alliance Group, said the need was urgent because more lorries would soon be using the road to access the planned East Tullos incinerator and recycling centre at Altens.
The redevelopment of the harbour and the construction of the AWPR will also increase the volume of traffic, he suggested.
“There is a crossing but kids will be kids and they will go before the lights or after them to stay with their friends,” he said.
“If there was a bridge or an underpass, that would be a totally safe route for them to go to school – away from the potential danger.
“The only safe option is to take them away from the road.
“I would rather have a bridge – an underpass can get dark and smelly.”
The councillor is due to meet with parent and community groups in the coming days to discuss the situation.
SNP education spokesman Alex Nicoll said: “Pupil safety crossing such a busy road has to be the key priority at all times and I don’t think that anything should be ruled out at this stage.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “We are considering all routes to the school and are working with the parents and pupils to develop a transport plan.”
