Fears have been raised that pupils could be killed or seriously injured if a dangerous Lochaber junction is not improved.
Many of the 150 children arriving at and leaving Banavie Primary School have to cross the A830 Fort William to Mallaig road.
And even with the help of a lollipop lady and flashing 20mph signs, they have experienced near misses on the trunk road that locals claim is getting busier every year.
Transport Scotland is now looking at ways to improve safety at the junction.
Kilmallie Community Council treasurer Jan MacLugash said: “The lollipop lady has been in near misses with vehicles not noticing her about to step out into the traffic.
“The main concern is that someone could be killed or seriously injured there because of the type and volume of traffic.”
She explained that the amount of traffic, and particularly heavy lorries, on the road had increased dramatically in recent years.
Councillor Ben Thompson, Caol and Mallaig, said: “There are very few schools where primary-age children have to cross trunk roads and this crossing is definitely not as safe as it ought to be.
“I would like to see something done before there’s an accident there.”
He pointed out that the trunk road was about 36ft wide at the junction and said locals wanted a pelican crossing with traffic lights operated by pedestrians installed there.
Highland Council roads engineers, local police, the school’s head teacher Maxean Dunham and parent council and community council representatives recently met Transport Scotland and Bear Scotland delegates to discuss the situation.
Sergeant David Campbell, based at Fort William police station, said this crossing was regularly brought to their attention so they would welcome any road safety improvements in that area.
He said: “We deploy resources there as and when possible, but we cannot be there 24/7.”
A Bear Scotland spokeswoman said it wanted to create a larger area for pedestrians and narrow the crossing width at the school.
She said: “Following the useful feedback from the meeting, we will work on the designs of these safety measures and, once completed, will carry out further consultation with all parties before any construction begins.”
