A CONCERNED councillor has called for a safety review of a busy Johnstone road after a teenage girl was left fighting for her life in a road accident.

The 16-year-old girl was struck by a grey Audi A3 in Beith Road, at its junction with Elm Drive, at around 9.40pm on Sunday.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and the teenager was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, for treatment.

She has since been transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children, in Glasgow, where medical staff last described her condition as “critical.”

Councillor John Hood, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, is now urging roads chiefs to consider installing a pedestrian crossing at the scene of the accident.

He told The Gazette: “It is very sad this has happened and there have been quite a few car crashes and near misses on that stretch of road before.

“The number of cars speeding in that area is phenomenal and I’ve reported it a number of times to the police and Renfrewshire Council.

“I would like more measures to be put in place so that cars do not speed up when they go on to the dual carriageway part of Beith Road.

“It might be good for a pedestrian crossing and more lighting to be installed at that junction.”

Jacqueline Roulston, who runs local takeaway Jackie’s Store, is also concerned about the safety of a new trial cycle route which has recently been installed along Beith Road.

She said: “Driving to work is a total nightmare with this new cycle lane and the potholes.

“The whole of Beith Road is extremely dangerous right now. I think something needs to be done quickly to sort this road, otherwise there’s going to be more accidents - especially if we start getting snow.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We were deeply saddened to hear of the accident in Johnstone.

“Police Scotland colleagues are currently investigating the circumstances and we are providing our full support. 

“Any additional safety measures identified as being required at this location will be discussed with elected members and the local community.

“We ask that all road users please ensure they follow road safety measures, including observing speed limits, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users.”

Beith Road was closed into the early hours of Monday morning as investigators carried out enquiries.

It is understood that a dog, which the teenager had been taking for a walk, was also struck by the Audi A3 and was fatally injured.

Police said the driver of the car was uninjured. A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident but has since been released, pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Alan Cook said: “I am appealing to people and motorists who were in the area around the time of the incident to contact us. 

“In particular, if you have a dashcam device, please check the footage as it could provide vital information for our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call road policing officers via 101, quoting incident number 3399 of November 28.