Vicars are calling for the ‘inhumane’ North End Road to be pedestrianised after a much-loved pensioner was hit by a lorry and killed last week.
Elizabeth Jallum, 79, of Fulham, died last Friday (December 12) when she was hit by an articulated lorry at about 12.35pm in North End Road near the Iceland supermarket.
The long-time member of the congregation at St Andrew’s church in Greyhound Road was known by many in the community who have expressed their shock at her untimely death.
Another congregation member held her hand and covered her in a blanket as she lay dying under the truck.
Her death comes two months after a top judge called for lorries to be fitted with central front mirrors to be made law at the inquest into the death of Lezli Taubler, 72, who was killed after being hit by an articulated lorry in North End Road in November last year .
Now, Reverend Guy Wilkinson from St Andrew’s and Reverend Mark Osborne from St John’s in Walham Green - which is in the same parish - are both urging the council to pedestrianise the road to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and to encourage more people to shop at the famous market.
Reverend Wilkinson said: “Elizabeth lived close to the church, her children were baptised here and her son Michael’s funeral was held at St Andrew’s 18 months ago. She wasn’t well so normally went to the shops with her daughter but decided that day to go by herself, then this awful accident happened.
“She was known by many in the community who are shocked at what happened. Market stall holders have got together to put flowers in the church and lots of people I pass have expressed their condolences to me.
“The death of Elizabeth and others has to be a wake up call to do something about safety on North End Road - it’s inhumane. It was shut off to traffic on December 6 very successfully for a festive market and we would like to see that happen all the time. TfL reported no impact on other roads that day so it should be possible but we’ll leave it up to the experts.
“It’s ridiculous to have giant articulated lorries driving down a road which isn’t made for it. There are so many pedestrians and the market stalls are right on the road which is dangerous. It would also help the market which has been around for over 100 years but is struggling now because there’s too much traffic.”
A book of condolences is at St Andrew's church.
Getwestlondon is waiting for a comment from the council.
