Concerned parents are furious that the Council has today dismissed their petition calling for safety measures to be rolled out at an accident black spot. The petition, bearing 739 signatures, was rejected at a meeting this morning by Cllr Jayne Innes, the Cabinet Member for City Services. During the tense meeting she even threatened to have Cllr Julia Lepoidevin (presenting the petition) forcibly removed from the meeting.
She decided to ‘note the concerns of the petitioners’ taking no further action despite the location’s chequered past. The report presented to the Cabinet member describes one recent incident which resulted in a multi-vehicle collision at the site. It’s also the second petition to be presented to the Council since 2015.
The junction of Hockley Lane and Upper Eastern Green Road is unique because it’s home to three educational sites. Families can have a child in the pre-school playgroup or St Andrews Primary School on Church Lane and a child in Eastern Green Junior School off nearby Sutton Avenue.
Research conducted by the Council shows that there’s a spike in the number of pedestrians at the start and end of the school day – putting children and parents at a higher risk of harm relative to other pedestrians.
Although the speed limit on Hockley Lane falls to 30 MPH, many motorists seem unaware as they enter the road from a more rural setting - even the 20 MPH signs on the approach to the schools does not deter speeding. Campaigners also believe that heavy goods vehicles are using the route as a cut through to the A45 - instead of using Broad Lane.
Presenting the petition earlier today Councillor Julia Lepoidevin said; “Like many others I’m very disappointed by this decision today because it’s clear that many motorists aren’t obeying the speed limit. As a mother myself I’m deeply concerned about this situation and I just wish the Council would think of the children. Unfortunately Cllr Jayne Innes wouldn’t listen to parents today and at one point she threatened to remove me from the meeting. However, we won’t give up this fight - I just hope nobody else gets hurt before the Council acts.”
Fellow Woodlands ward Councillor Peter Male said; “This decision is really disappointing and it’s a missed opportunity to explore road safety options that work for everyone. Clearly motorists have to take responsibility for their own actions but the Council can’t simply walk away from its duty to protect the public like this. We’ll study this report and consider our response in line with the wishes of parents.”
Also supporting the campaign, Councillor Gary Ridley said; “Speeding can be a problem in all sorts of locations but I’m particularly worried about it on Hockley Lane - it’s used by so many children on the school run. No one wants to see a child getting hurt but it’s a serious possibility if action isn’t taken soon. I’d like to invite Cllr Innes along to Hockley Lane so she can speak to residents and gague the anger people are feeling for herself.”