A concerned father has launched a petition calling for a 20mph speed limit on a road near the new joint school campus in Lochaber.
Michael McGuire, whose first child Kyle was stillborn in 2009, is concerned that his six-year-old daughter Amelie and other children in the area are being put at risk by speeding drivers.
The 33-year-old, of Clunes Avenue, Caol, near Fort William, said: “I have already lost one child and I refuse to stand by quietly while there is a clear danger to my little girl.”
His petition on 38degrees.org.uk – calling on Highland Council to implement traffic calming methods in Clunes Avenue as a matter of urgency – had last night been signed by almost 200 people.
Mr McGuire said: “Clunes Avenue is a residential area where many children play. A new school campus is only a matter of yards away.
“Too many cars are travelling at excessive speed on this road.
“It is only a matter of time before a child is injured or worse.
“By having traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps and a 20mph limit, this could potentially save a life.”
He added that the new school would increase the number of children and the amount of traffic on the road.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said speeding was a road traffic offence and should be reported to the police.
She added that the council had a petitions procedure, but would encourage people to contact the local authority about their concerns before launching a petition.
She said: “The planning process for the new school considered anticipated traffic impact.
“Schools are able to bid for Safer Routes to School funding on the basis of a school travel plan being put in place.
“The council’s road safety team works with schools and communities to provide safer routes to schools throughout the region.”
