A senior Dundee councillor has issued a passionate plea for police help to improve road safety in St Mary’s in the wake of the accident that has left an eight-year-old girl fighting for her life.
The youngster was struck by a car in St Fillans Road on Saturday evening and remains in a critical condition in Ninewells Hospital.
The accident has highlighted long-standing concerns about driving standards and led to a call for action by the authorities.
Though speed has not been identified as a factor in the accident and Police Scotland has urged against speculation, many local people took to social media to highlight speeding.
Councillor Ian Borthwick said: “Speeding motorists have been discussed at the SMART Group and also raised individually with myself by local residents.
“I am not claiming that this is the reason for this latest accident, but there has been some totally irresponsible driving by car drivers and motorcyclists.
“I want to reassure people that I have taken this issue up with Police Scotland. It is something that needs addressed, not just in this area, but across the city.”
He added: “Of course, our overriding consideration at this time must be that the young girl makes a full recovery and returns home to her family as soon as possible.”
In his letter to Police Scotland, Mr Borthwick writes: “I sincerely hope that you will address this particular issue.
“Any steps you can take to improve road safety in the area would be greatly welcomed by the community.”
Police Scotland said it would be inappropriate to comment further on individual matters while the St Fillans Road accident is being investigated.
However, a spokeswoman added: “Reducing the number of causalities continues to be a priority for Police Scotland and officers work with local communities to make our roads safer.”
Saturday’s accident took place at around 9pm, with witnesses reporting children had been visiting an ice cream van at the time.
The youngster was thrown into the air by the collision as witnesses rushed to her aid.
She was treated at the scene by paramedics and then rushed to Ninewells where she remains in a critical condition.
Inquiries into the accident are ongoing and police have spoken to the driver of the vehicle, a black Ford Ka.
No-one has been charged in connection with the incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision and who has not spoken to police, or anyone who saw a black Ford Ka in the area at the time is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
