Zebra crossing where child was hit was ‘accident waiting to happen’

A zebra crossing where a child was knocked off their bike has been an “accident waiting to happen” for years, a councillor has said.

The incident on December 9 is one of two to happen on Station Road in Pershore in less than a week, prompting fresh calls for better road safety in the area.

County councillor Dan Boatright-Greene says both young people suffered only minor injuries but the situation shows that residents were right to be concerned.

“I have raised concerns about this location for some time,” he said. “The general response has been that there hadn’t been any accidents in the area and so there was no cause for concern.

“But residents have frequently flagged the crossing on Station Road as an issue and many have called for a pelican crossing so that cars have to stop.

“This week has seen our worst fears realised. For years many of us have said Station Road is an accident waiting to happen.

“While the crossing was a good idea in principle, the narrow main road makes the line of sight incredibly difficult when there are high volumes of traffic.

“Drivers often stop too close to the crossing. As a result, moving cars cannot see if someone is waiting to cross.”

Cllr Boatright-Greene is calling for Worcestershire County Council to carry out a review of road crossings in Pershore.

The council says it is already making improvements in Station Road.

“It is very clear that traffic volumes have increased on the road. Significantly,” said Cllr Boatright-Greene. “The zebra crossing is not fit for purpose anymore.

“And we have similar issues across Pershore where the interaction between pedestrians and vehicles is becoming more complicated.

“Pedestrian movements have changed as more houses have been built. People are crossing in different places and (myself included) don’t walk to the next crossing if it is inconvenient.

“We need to change our approach to risk on our roads and be more proactive. I’ve had enough of having to wait for someone to get hurt before change happens.”

A county council spokesperson said: “Road safety is a top priority for us, and we recognise that accidents can have a lasting impact on communities.

“Following calls from the local county councillor, our team has investigated the two incidents on Station Road recently where signals and crossing concerns were raised.

“As a result, scheme improvements and signage are now being implemented.

“The zebra crossing on Station Road was installed in Summer 2020. Before the crossings construction and prior to it being opened to the public, Road Safety Audits were undertaken.

“The visibility of pedestrians is a key factor within the audit and an issue was not flagged at the time of either audit.

“We are currently developing a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Pershore, this will set our plans to create a priority active travel network, and focus on the needs of those who walk, wheel and cycle in the town.

“An engagement exercise will be undertaken on this plan prior to adoption.”