Arbroath residents have launched a petition to improve safety at the Mayfield shops before someone is hurt.
Residents have started gathering signatures for a one-way traffic system to be introduced after describing the current lay-out as “an accident waiting to happen”.
But campaigners may have a fight on their hands as the matter was previously taken to the Traffic Co-ordination Group Forum for discussion.
However, the group agreed against proposing any changes because the introduction of a one-way system on Mayfield Terrace “could have an adverse reaction on traffic behaviour”.
But residents are not happy and the matter was again raised at the latest meeting of Arbroath Community Council.
Community councillor Kevin Barthorpe said: “We have been made aware of a problem at the Mayfield shops that is putting both pedestrians and motorists at risk.
“The issue is around the road around the shops where children have been nearly knocked down.
“It has been suggested that it be made a one-way system with entrance from the junction adjacent to the chip shop.
“It was also said that the introduction of speed ramps would help to keep motorists’ speed down. As a community council we are keen to see any move that will result in making the area safe for the residents.”
Lynda McLean, who lives in the area, brought the matter to the attention of the community council.
She said: “Honestly, it’s an accident waiting to happen.
“I actually witnessed a car coming in off the main road to go into the shopping area whilst one was coming out. They nearly banged into each other but fortunately they didn’t.
“They just come flying round here with cars going one way and cars going the other way. Just three weeks ago a little girl walked out on the road and was pulled back by her dad before she was struck by a car.
“It’s just not on and it’s just a matter of time before someone is injured.”
Mrs McLean said speed humps might slow traffic down but she thinks a one-way system would be the solution.
She said: “For the sake of children and older people I think a one-way system should be introduced as a matter of priority.
“The petition has just started but already people in the area are getting behind it. There’s actually a one-way system at the back of the shops for the delivery lorries so I don’t see why it can’t be done.”
Craig Hudson, senior traffic engineer from Angus Council’s roads division, said: “Introducing a one-way system could lead to an increase in traffic speeds with vehicles taking less care as there would be no opposing traffic flows.
“The road layout in Mayfield Terrace was amended as part of the previous environmental improvements in the area and was designed to incorporate traffic calming properties, eg tight bends, short sections of straight road and parking bays taking direct access off Mayfield Terrace.
“If the road were made one-way most of the traffic calming properties would be lost or would certainly be less effective.
“I have carried out a search on the roads division’s accident database and records confirm that in the last three years there has been one reported accident involving two vehicles and loss of control on a snow-covered surface.
“The accident resulted in damage to either vehicle; no one was injured in the incident.”