Serious questions have been asked regarding the controversial decision to axe a road patrol crossing in Castle Douglas used by young children.
Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has this week written to Dumfries and Galloway Council insisting that the crossing between Jenny’s Loaning and Queen Street be reinstated immediately.
He wants to know why the local authority took the decision to remove the crossing patrol without a crucial risk assessment being carried out regarding the move.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP has cited an identical situation in Dalbeattie where a school crossing patrol was reinstated after the council made a U-turn.
Acting on behalf of a number of worried parents, Mr Carson said: “As far as I am concerned the whole thing simply just doesn’t add up.
“In the case of the school patrol crossing in Dalbeattie the council agreed to carry out a risk assessment – something I believe should automatically happen when young children are involved.
“Yet the council has, so far, failed to evidence that it has carried out a risk assessment process in Castle Douglas where there have already been alarming reports of some cars ignoring the crossing putting children at risk.”
Mr Carson confirmed the council made the decision to remove personnel from automated crossing patrols and also to remove the lunchtime crossing patrol service during the budget setting process in February.
But the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP revealed parents had been in contact with him raising serious concerns about a number of near misses at this particularly popular crossing.
He explained: “I am informed that the school are aware of these incidents. Some vehicles have also been witnessed driving over the crossing when the lights are at red.
“Queen Street is very busy at all times of the day and always has a steady flow of vehicles using this road.”
Urging an immediate rethink by the council, Mr Carson argued that the safety of children travelling to and from school remained of paramount importance.
He added: “Taking into consideration of the near misses witnessed at this school crossing I would urge you to reconsider your decision and reinstate a school crossing patrol office at this location.”
The local constituency MSP has also been in contact with senior police officials voicing his concerns and asking them to monitor the situation closely in the coming weeks.
According to earlier correspondence with the local authority, an official confirmed that an individual risk assessment has not been carried out at Castle Douglas.
Previously, a council spokesman said: “The safety of children travelling to and from school remains the responsibility of parents or guardians and we appreciate the work carried out by parents and schools to educate children in safe practices in crossing of roads – and in particular to operating automated crossings.
