Parents of youngsters attending West Coats Primary in Cambuslang claim there are various safety issues on Brownside Road, a popular walking route used during the school run.
A local campaign titled ‘The Fast and the Furious Cambuslang’ was set up to highlight the problem, which is said to include speeding drivers, a lack of speed cameras, and no working safety lights.
Image from an incident during September 2012 (Image: Contributed)
It was started after a primary one child was reportedly involved in an accident on the road in August 2023.
A year later, a primary two child is said to have been involved in a near miss at the same spot.
Image taken from an incident during July 2015 (Image: Contributed)
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Parent Yvonne Stainforth, who was involved in the near miss, branded the incident as “terrifying”.
She said: “When my son and I were nearly hit on the way to school, it was terrifying. The council and police need to take some proper action before something much worse happens.”
In a Freedom of Information request submitted to Police Scotland, it was revealed that 40 road traffic collisions had been recorded on Brownside Road between January 2018 and November 2024.
Additionally, there had been eight injuries caused by traffic on this road between 2020 and 2024, with two serious injuries recorded in 2022 and one in 2024.
Image taken from an incident during September 2021 (Image: Contributed)
Carol McPherson, who is part of the campaign, described the situation as a “perfect storm” of danger.
She added: “The argument that there is no money available for this is nonsense – it’s a choice, and it should be a very easy one
“As a grandparent, it is beyond me how the safety of young children could be jeopardised in this way when it’s obvious what needs to be done.”
Shocking video footage published online by campaign members shows speeding vehicles passing inches from small children as they walk to class.
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Residents claim that requests for speed cameras in the area have been “repeatedly” turned down.
They further claim that flashing safety signs put in place to enforce a 20 miles per hour speed limit outside the school have been broken for more than a year.
Parents say they have confronted drivers with banners urging them to slow down and that the issue has been raised by MPs, MSPs, and councillors.
Now, they are calling on South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland to take urgent action by installing cameras, lights, and other traffic calming measures.
Image taken from an incident during February 2022 (Image: Contributed)
Mireia Ferrer, chair of West Coats parent council, added: “I’m seriously concerned at the regularity of these incidents.
“Sharp street corners and narrow pavements in a residential area should have tighter speeding control.
“It’s a no-brainer.”
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Road safety is a priority, and we work closely with partner agencies to ensure this.
“We actively monitor collision data, local intelligence, offending history and speed data surveys carried out by our partner agencies to ensure our resources are appropriately deployed.
“The dangers of speeding are well-known. People who speed not only put themselves at risk, but also other members of the public, and drivers should take responsibility for their own actions when they get behind the wheel.
“We urge drivers to remain within the speed limit and help ensure safety for themselves and other road users.
“Anyone with any concerns about drivers or speeding should contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
South Lanarkshire Council has been contacted for comment.
