A 12-YEAR-OLD pupil has launched a campaign for a pedestrian crossing in front of her school.

Olivia Bowen contacted the Post and local politicians over her concerns for Janetta Street outside Clydebank High, where she started as an S1 pupil in August.

The former Kilbowie Primary youngster was used to seeing drivers race along the street while pupils crossed at random points.

But she got even more concerned when a car sped along and stopped just a few feet away from her and older brother William, who was in a moon boot and on crutches at the time. The driver beeped at them to hurry them along and Olivia said it further aggravated her brother’s injury.

Olivia told the Post: “I feel it is important because in the morning and afternoon we see quite a lot of people running across the road unsafely.

“There could be a danger of them getting knocked down. It’s quite scary when we walk along there.

“I did think about it a few times before what happened with my brother. My Nana lives across the road and you look out the window and see a lot of impatient drivers.”

She added: “My friends have been supportive - they prompted me to do it.

“Drivers should be quite a lot more careful and realise we are older pupils and we have more responsibility, but we still have to have the same safety cautions as a younger child.”

Olivia said she would ideally like to see a permanent crossing, just down from the main gates of the school.

Proud mum Marissa said she encouraged Olivia to go for it when she raised her concerns. Her daughter already sponsors a panda from her pocket money and plans to do something for the homeless at Christmas.

She said: “She’s very people-minded and wants to help others, as well as making sure she’s okay herself. Both myself and her dad William are extremely proud of her and hopefully her actions will be successful.”

Olivia hopes her meeting of MP Martin Docherty-Hughes on a House of Commons tour in 2015 might get her extra backing for her campaign.

The MP told the Post: “Road safety around schools is an extremely important issue and I commend Olivia for bringing forward her campaign for a pedestrian crossing at Clydebank High.

“I intend to work with other local representatives to raise the matter with West Dunbartonshire Council and explore the possibility of installing a crossing at the school.

“I met Olivia at the House of Commons when I gave her a parliamentary tour and I remember her to be very conscientious and articulate. I will certainly do what I can to support her efforts to improve road safety measures for pupils and families at Clydebank High.”

MSP Gil Paterson added: “Well done to Olivia for taking the initiative to raise this important issue with the Post on behalf of her peers.

“What she has written about is a very serious matter — no children should have to fear crossing the road to get to school. I am happy to discuss this further with Olivia.

“I would also like to take this moment to urge drivers to be as considerate as possible while pupils are heading to school, and reflect on the experiences Olivia and her brother have had.”

Olivia’s concerns emerged just hours after council papers revealed the potential replacing of 40 paid school crossing patrols across West Dunbartonshire with volunteers or removing 12 patrols where there are already pedestrian crossings.

A spokesman for West Dunbartonshire Council said on Tuesday: “Our road safety co-ordinator received Olivia’s letter today and will be in touch with her directly to discuss the points she has raised.”