Who ya gonna call "Road Busters" Many of you will have heard about the tragic accident of the primary school child who was shuttled to Queens Hospital by ambulance, following a road incident last week. Please read the Ilford Recorder article (here).
Weirdly enough, I was the first person to raise concerns about the safety of the junction at which Thames water are undergoing the planting of new, less leaky, plastic water utility pipes.
I first raised a safety issue regarding crossing at the junction with the Highways Team and the Police, back in September. PC Craig from the Mayfield Police investigated and sent his recommendations to the Highways Team. The road was at the time, in an even worse state than the current condition and regular crossings were being taken from the Middle of a cross junction. Alternative safe crossing locations involved at least 50m detours, this Unfortunately encouraged adults and children alike, to opt for reduced safety in exchange for easier and shorter crossings.
My complaint was met with a temporary "Stop and Go Operator", for a period of two days. As the road became marginally safer, the initial safety impetus was lost.
Today I met with the Local Police Sgt Paul Keely, Highways Engineer Syed Hussain and his cohorts - at the location of the danger spot. I suggested that the "Stop here for Lights" sign be moved 20 yards further, so that vehicles were made to stop and to observe the existing pedestrian crossing (Traffic signals currently inactive). Not rocket science I know, and after much argument all parties agreed with my initial proposal. This has already created a much safer crossing area, although drivers pulling out of corners or speeding through red lights, are still creating an element of danger.
Furthermore, to this I should add that Syed Hussain has convinced the contractors to contact TFL, requesting the reinstatement of the Traffic lights. I also believe that if resource is available the Police will provide a crossing officer between the Hours of 09:00 - 10:00 and 15: 00 - 16:00 to safeguard children crossing at this dangerous location. This after the Lollipop team and Highways team confirmed no staff were available due to the short notice and other commitments.
Syed Hussain and Sgt Paul Keely deserve special praise for their efforts to resolve a matter that should have been a contractor responsibility.
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