Petition for a crossing on London Road gets 7000 signatures

"It’s an incredibly busy road and there have been a number of near misses involving school pupils."

Over 7,000 people have signed a petition to install a safe road crossing near St Peter’s School on London Road in Hinckley.

Saint Peter's Catholic Primary School used to have a crossing patrol person to help the children cross safely however, although advertising for the role no one has come forward.

One parent said: "I witnessed a serious near-miss with one of the children crossing the road, if it hadn't been for his parents he would most certainly have been hit by a vehicle."

Another parent said: "Every day is a day where pupils and parents are exposed to the dangers of the unsafe crossing."

Parents from the school started the petition back in March 2022 and it has had the backing of three Liberal Democrat County Councillors for Hinckley David Bill, Stuart Bray and Michael Mullaney.

The petition has now been submitted to Leicestershire County Council where it will be discussed in their next Highways & Transport Scrutiny meeting.

Hinckley De Montfort Lib Dem County Councillor Michael Mullaney said “It’s essential that there is a safe crossing near St Peter’s School. It’s an incredibly busy road and there have been a number of near misses involving school pupils.

“Over 7,000 people signing the petition just shows what a huge understanding locally there is of the need for a safe crossing at St Peter’s.

“Given the huge support for this petition, Leicestershire County Council must do the right thing and put in a safe crossing near St Peter’s School”.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We have received the petition, which due to the number of signatures will be presented at the next Highways & Transport Scrutiny meeting on 9 March, where we will be able to update the petitioners on our planned next steps.

"In the meantime, we would encourage anyone interested to apply for the school crossing patrol position which remains vacant.”