CHILDREN have asked for safer roads near their school after two serious accidents – one involving a toddler.
In June, 12 pupils from Charville Primary School in Bury Avenue, Hayes, took it upon themselves to write to the cabinet member for transportation, Councillor Keith Burrows, following two road accidents in nearby streets within the space of two months.
A three-year-old boy from Charville’s nursery school was in collision with a motorcycle near the school gates at the end of March. He suffered minor injuries.
Less than six weeks later, a 14-year-old girl was in an accident after stepping into the road from behind a bus in Charville Lane. She suffered head injuries and was airlifted to Royal London Hospital.
There have been three other reported accidents since 2008 in the area.
The young campaigners, now at secondary school, were granted an audience with Mr Burrows at their school on Monday afternoon, where they spelt out their fears about their safety when walking to and from school.
Peter Shawley, headteacher at Charville Primary, said: “I was very pleased the pupils’ letters didn’t fall on deaf ears and it was treated as an official meeting.
“The kids went away feeling they have a voice, and are doing something good for the whole community.
“We are taking more pupils each year and the roads are becoming increasingly busy, so it is important.”
In 2008, a raised crossing and a 20mph zone were placed in Bury Avenue. Despite being some distance away, Pole Hill Road was named by those walking to school as the worst spot.
Police answered calls from residents by carrying out a speed and traffic survey which showed speeding there was rife. There has since been more foot patrols and speed gun operations in the area.
As a result of the youngsters’ pleas, it has been recommended that Pole Hill Road be considered for signs which flash warning messages to approaching drivers if they are travelling too fast.
More surveys in the busy residential roads will be carried out at peak times.
