| Road safety campaign edges closer to victory |
| Friday, 22 October 2010 17:09 |
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Road safety campaigners in Tooting scored an important victory this week, as Wandsworth Council signed off on plans to build a new pedestrian crossing on Mitcham Road, near St Boniface Church. The campaign for a new crossing near the church was launched following the death of church member John Chivers, 84, who died crossing Mitcham Road in November 2009. Between 2006 and 2008, there were 80 accidents on the road – 19 of which resulted in serious injuries to victims. Almost half of all the accidents involved pedestrians.
Nearly a thousand local people and members of the church’s congregation signed a petition for a crossing in Mitcham Road, which was presented to Wandsworth Council by Sadiq Khan MP and Reverend Ernest Bonvini in February this year. The petition triggered an investigation by Wandsworth Council Highway Engineers, which concluded that Mitcham Road was unsafe, and that measures should be taken to provide a formal crossing point for pedestrians. “Our success so far shows that by working together we can improve our community for everyone in it. “While this is excellent news, there is still one more hurdle to overcome - the scheme has to be approved by Transport for London. “It is clear we now have the backing of the local community, your local councillors and Wandsworth Council, and I am confident they will approve this scheme. “I will continue to put pressure on Transport for London to ensure that this scheme goes ahead and Mitcham Road is made safer for pedestrians.” Father Ernest Bonvini, of St Boniface Church, said, “I welcome this decision by Wandsworth Council, who have recognised that this crossing is a necessity. “There is no doubt in my mind or those of most of the people who use this church or live locally, that we do need this crossing. “I cross Mitcham Road every morning, and frequently there are women and young children waiting to cross for 4 or 5 minutes because the traffic is so busy. It’s not a surprise so many of the accidents along here involve pedestrians. “It seems like pedestrians are second class citizens. “I will be encouraging my congregation to write to the Mayor of London and Transport for London so they will understand just how important this issue is.” Local resident and campaigner Nadia Ward said, “This is an extremely busy stretch of Mitcham Road. “You see elderly people and parents with prams struggling across everyday. “It’s only a matter of time before there’s another accident if the crossing isn’t put in place.” |
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