A north-east man has launched a road safety campaign after his grandson was knocked down and seriously injured walking to school.
The eight-year-old was struck by a vehicle while crossing Old Gamrie Road in Macduff and sustained “severe lower leg injuries”. He was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he has spent the last three weeks recovering.
Now grandfather Kevin Stuart has called for action before another potentially fatal incident happens.
“He was walking home from school and had to cross this particular road, as many children do twice a day,” Mr Stuart said.
“We’re not exactly sure what happened, but he’s home and on the long road to recovery.
“Now it’s the other children of Macduff Primary School we have concern for.”
Mr Stuart estimates that more than 100 children from the nearby new housing developments cross the road on their way to and from school every day.
Hundreds of local parents and residents have joined Mr Stuart’s campaign on social media, and will today approach the council.
Mr Stuart has called for a crossing patroller to take up position at the junction of Old Gamrie Road and Berrymuir Road immediately, and will today ask the council to consider new speed restrictions and speed humps.
“We’re moving into the winter months when kids are walking to and from school in almost darkness,” he added. “It’s only a matter of time before the same thing – or god forbid, worse – happens to somebody else’s child.”
Last night councillor John Cox, chairman of the local area committee, said: “Children’s safety is of paramount importance. I understand the concerns that parents and families have about children walking to and from school.”
Mr Cox praised the community for taking action, and said a change is needed “sooner rather than later”.
“With the increased traffic, and with the new sports facilities, it’s absolutely essential that everybody involved – from the council and the police – look at the issues, at the danger spots, and come up with a plan,” he added.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “The roads service is aware of the incident and will be liaising with colleagues in education to assess the area and identify measures that can be taken.”
