Crossing removal could cause deaths, say councillors (From Sutton Guardian)

Sutton crossing removal could cause deaths, say residents

10:36am Monday 16th August 2010 in News By Julia Kennard

Seen the light: Councillor Lester Holloway and Councillor Marlene Heron at the Collingwood Road crossing

Lives could be put in danger if a pedestrian crossing is removed, councillors have said.

The crossing in Collingwood Road – installed eight years ago after a safety campaign by parents – could be scrapped under Transport for London’s review.

Councillors Lester Holloway, Marlene Heron and deputy Ruth Dombey say its axing will put residents at risk.

They say people using nearby schools, recreation grounds and a sheltered housing scheme will face danger when using the crossing near Bushey Road.

Coun Holloway said: “Parents from Westbourne Primary School campaigned for the crossing to be installed in the first place, because they were worried about the safety of their kids. I fear removing the lights will put lives at risk.

“The lights involve minimal running costs, while the cost of removing it is likely to run into thousands of pounds.”

Coun Heron said: “This is a retrograde step. This is a narrow road and can get very busy; it is a bus route and ambulances use it to get to Anton Crescent resource centre. Removing the crossing will make it very unsafe.”

Other pedestrian crossings under review in Sutton include Middleton Road by Peterborough Road, London Road by Seymour Road, Mollison Drive by Barnard Close and another on Collingwood Road by Sydney Road.

A TfL spokesman said: “Any decision to remove these traffic signals would be subject to agreement with the local council, the provision of mitigating measures where necessary, and available funding.”