Concerned parents and councillors are calling on the council to take action on Hockley Lane before someone gets hurt. Every morning many parents and children walk to school on the road and they’re worried about the speed of approaching cars.
Although the speed limit falls to 30 MPH, many motorists seem unaware as they enter the road from a more rural setting - even the 20 MPH signs as you approach the schools do not deter speeding. There’s recently been an increase in the number of HGVs using Hockley Lane to cut through to the A45 which also compounds the problem.
The junction is unique as 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. Campaigners are worried that without some form of safety features it’s only a matter of time before there’s an accident.
Councillors representing Woodlands ward, Councillors Julia Lepoidevin, Peter Male and Gary Ridley have been helping to gather a petition during the school run and they’ll be out again on Friday afternoon. When they’ve compiled the petition they’ll present it to Coventry City Council.
Commenting on the petition Councillor Julia Lepoidevin said; ‘We’ve visited the site and it’s clear that many motorists aren’t obeying the speed limit. It’s possible they don’t realise it’s only 30mph as they enter Hockley Lane from a rural setting. We’ll be supporting this petition and asking the council to take action as soon as possible.’
Fellow Woodlands ward Councillor Peter Male said; ‘The area is home to St. Andrew’s C of E infant school and the Eastern Green pre-school playgroup so every morning many children walk to school along Hockley Lane. We’re calling on the council to explore potential road safety options so that we can a find a way forward that’s suitable for everyone.’
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 because 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.’