I was about to cross the road to collect my children from Ashley Primary school in Walton-on-Thames when a car drove over a bollard and mounted a pedestrian island where families with school children normally wait.
This wasn't an isolated occurrence.

Previously, another pedestrian, a Grandmother to a Reception age child was seriously injured when collecting their Grandchild after being hit by a vehicle when crossing this road. They required surgery following this accident.
Such hazard-prone areas should be safe, particularly around school zones, but our reality paints a different, distressing picture. It's time we addressed this perilous issue affecting the heart of our community - our children, our families.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 85% of child pedestrian casualties occur in built-up areas often in close proximity to schools. Crucially, this suggests that this problem isn't confined to our town, but it doesn't negate the fact that urgent action is needed right here.

I have spent over three years pushing our authorities to implement action towards creating safer roads in our children’s school vicinity. This can include clear signage, speed restriction policies, and safe crossings, measures that have seen success in similar localities including other local primary schools. In fact, Ashley School is one of the only schools in this area without any clear road safety measures despite it being located in the town centre on a very busy one way system.

I have previously met with our then MP Dominic Raab, Surrey CC and Surrey Police who conducted a Road Safety Outside School Assessment which we are still awaiting results and an outcome. 

I have most recently met with our newly elected MP’s and continue to campaign for safer crossings.

With multiple local development approvals affecting these roads outside of Ashley school, the safety of our families and children is paramount.

Our collective effort can make an immediate and significant impact. Sign this petition now to protect lives and make the roads of Walton-on-Thames safer.

Thank you