Safer streets thanks to community campaign
Image of a zebra crossing
A MacDuff man has campaigned for safer streets by petitioning for a crossing outside the local primary school.
Michael Wiseman (60), who is partially sighted, began a community petition when he noticed how the increasingly busy traffic was endangering children outside the school.
It was while waiting for his daughter, who is also visually impaired, at MacDuff Primary School’s 60th anniversary celebrations when Michael describes a near-miss on Duff Street:
“I was waiting on Victoria coming out the school,” he says, “and I noticed a car stopping to let the children cross the road. The car behind overtook at 40mph, just as the children were stepping off the pavement.
“It was so close, it was seconds. It could have been a disaster. On the day of the anniversary celebrations, there could have been an ambulance here for someone’s son or daughter.”
The need for a safe crossing has grown since the retirement of the lollypop patrol service last year, and as the new local supermarket has grown in popularity.
“The new supermarket has been a great success for the town, but it has made the traffic even busier. Add in the winter sun in driver’s eyes, and the parked cars blocking the view when you cross, it’s all a recipe for disaster. We need safe crossing measures; it’s basic road safety.”
Michael, alongside friends, launched a campaign for a new crossing outside the school, seeking guidance from the sight loss charity RNIB Scotland. To support their cause, Michael measured traffic levels, counting up to 70 cars passing through the school zone in just 10 minutes. The group distributed 1,500 flyers throughout the community, including at the school sports day and in local shops. Michael also engaged with local councillors and council staff, and his online petition has gathered over 2,000 signatures.
It was announced in December 2024, that a zebra crossing for Duff Street, MacDuff would be put into the council’s 2025/2026 budget for implementation.
Michael adds, “Schools need a safe crossing. This is an encouraging announcement, and I am looking forward to having the crossing in place. It’ll keep everyone safe for generations to come.”
The Banff and Macduff Community Council has awarded Michael with the MacDuff Quaich, ‘for his dedication, research and petition regarding Macduff Primary school crossing.’
