CONCERNED parents fear new traffic calming measures on one of Greenock's busiest roads will put Notre Dame High pupils in danger.

At a special environment and regeneration committee hearing the school's parent council told councillors that the proposals for Dunlop Street would make the problem worse.

Instead they called for speed cameras to be put in place to reduce the speed of drivers.

Road bosses have come under pressure to make the busy A78 stretch more safe.

But they have faced strong opposition from parents and some local residents to their £17,000 plans for a chicane design - the first of its kind in Inverclyde - on the road between Wallace Street and Nimmo Street.

Speaking at a special hearing, objector Joe Keith, chair of the parent council, said: "We have 800 pupils at Notre Dame.

"There is no question that something needs to be done on the road - we are not objecting to that.

"But we feel the double chicane design is not safe.

"Chicanes have caused problems in other places like in London and councils have had to take them out.

"If drivers don't slow down they are in danger of hitting pedestrians on the islands. Notre Dame High pupils use the islands when they cross.

"Why wait until someone is injured before doing something? I am trying to save this from happening."

Mr Keith made an argument for speed cameras to be put in Dunlop Street.

He said: "Speed cameras are proven to cut speeds and accidents. I think this is the answer."

Road services manager Steven Walker argued that a safety audit had been carried out and the chicane design was safe.

He also told the committee that councils do not have the powers to put in speed cameras.

Mr Walker added: "The traffic calming measures are to improve the road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

"We have had complaints about Dunlop Street and an independent safety review was carried out. Speed bumps were not appropriate because it is used by emergency services.

"A pedestrian crossing is not suitable."

"The chicanes are designed to slow drivers down."

Local resident Brian MacDonald, of Waverley Street, also spoke at the hearing and argued that the measures under consideration would backfire.

He said: "I don't think I have ever witnessed an accident and I don't see any need for traffic calming measures. This is going to create problems."

Councillors on the committee were split over the proposal, with Councillor Jim McEleny putting a motion forward in support of the objectors.

He was backed by fellow members John Crowther and Chris Curley.

But in the end the traffic calming proposals were supported by the majority of the committee, with councillors Stephen McCabe, Colin Jackson, Graham Brooks and Drew McKenzie and chair Michael McCormick all in favour.