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Parents demand safety measures near school crossing

Shariqua AhmedPeterborough
News imageShariqua Ahmed/BBC Two parents, a man and a woman, both wearing high-visibility jackets, are standing on a zebra crossing, with cars waiting for them.Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
The speeding outside the school has been described as "an absolute shambles"

Parents who have been "forced" to patrol a school crossing in Peterborough have launched a petition calling for improved road safety measures in the area.

Elliott and Joanne have been helping pupils cross safely near Dogsthorpe Academy on Central Avenue since last Monday, amid fears children could be hit by speeding drivers.

The online petition, launched on Thursday, calls on Peterborough City Council to install better signage for motorists and a signal-controlled crossing outside the school to help prevent future incidents.

"Every day we're nearly hit," Joanne said. "Cars are just not slowing down and I cannot walk away from this until it settles down."

The patrols began after Elliott and Joanne said three children had reportedly been struck by cars in the area "in the space of a week", including Elliott's son, who was not seriously injured.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that two children sustained minor injuries in separate collisions on Central Avenue on 24 and 25 September.

News imageShariqua Ahmed/ BBC Joanne, a woman with blonde hair. She is wearing a green and grey high-visibility sleeveless jacket. Shariqua Ahmed/ BBC
Joanne said speeding on the road had become "unreal"

Joanne said more parents had joined the patrols outside the school, while many others had offered their gratitude and support. She is now calling for residents to back the petition.

"We have been told [by the council] that we're not going to get any speed bumps, but we are asking the council to please put some big signs up at both ends of Dogsthorpe asking drivers to slow down and warning them there are schools in the area," she added.

"This small but significant addition can ensure that our children's journey to education remains safe."

Although the road has a 20mph speed limit, Elliott said lowering it further could reduce the risk to children.

News imageShariqua Ahmed/BBC Entrance to the school, with black metal fencing in front. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
Parents are calling for a pelican crossing outside Dogsthorpe Academy

In September, a new signalised crossing replaced a patrol officer outside Newark Hill Academy on Eastfield Road.

Ishfaq Hussain, Independent councillor for Dogsthorpe, is calling for a similar pelican crossing to be installed on Central Avenue.

"Parents shouldn't have to do this, but they are being forced to stand here to keep children safe," he said.

"A crossing outside the school would help protect pupils and give families greater peace of mind."

Angus Ellis, Peterborough's cabinet member for transport, said the council was aware of concerns from parents at Dogsthorpe Academy.

"Our highways teams regularly review the city's network and will consider installing safety measures where appropriate," he said.

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