Roads chiefs have pledged to monitor vehicle speeds in a Moray village amid fears over the dangers faced by children as they cross a busy road to reach school.
Alves dad Alan Taylor said he was concerned for the safety of his little girl every day as she walked to school across the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.
The father-of-three has called for action to improve safety along the stretch for nine-year-old Chloe and her classmates.
And yesterday, a Bear spokeswoman confirmed the group would monitor speed levels at the village in order to verify his claims.
She said: “We have contacted Mr Taylor to discuss the A96 through Alves and have committed to carry out vehicle speed monitoring to determine if excessive vehicle speeds are evident.
“We have also advised the police of his concerns given that enforcement of speed limits is a matter for them.”
Mr Taylor added he was so worried about the road that he had considered sending his daughter to school via bus – despite living just across the road from the building.
He said the situation is an “accident waiting to happen” and believes urgent action is required to prevent a tragedy.
Yesterday, the 43-year-old engineer said: “I’m pleased to see this is being taken forward.
“The visibility at the crossing and the junction is poor, and cars travel through the village at quite a speed.”
Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead, and Heldon and Laich councillor, Amy Patience, recently visited Mr Taylor to see the problems firsthand.
Councillor Patience suggested that higher-ups from Bear Scotland should also visit to gain an appreciation for the situation.
She said: “There needs to be a review of safety precautions along that part of the A96.
“What I would like is for Bear Scotland to meet us at the road to see for themselves how scary things can get for these pupils.
“It was useful for me to do that, I could really appreciate how worrying it must be for Mr Taylor to watch his children going across.”
The Bear Scotland spokeswoman added: “Mr Taylor did not request a meeting with us, but we would be happy to attend to discuss this matter in greater detail.”
