I am starting this petition to encourage our local council to re-address the constant speeding and dangerous driving along Front Lane, Cranham, which is causing the  crossing of this road, for both the young and elderly, an increasing hazard.

The danger of crossing Front Lane had become more apparent during the week of “bring your bike to school” week where Engayne students (amongst other schools in the borough) are encouraged to cycle/scoot to school.

Front Lane is a direct route from the A127 and drivers seem unaware that they are entering a residential area with crossings along the road that school children use twice a day. I witness everyday cars, vans and buses speeding, un-aware of the dangers of crossing children and I am afraid that a serious accident is just waiting to happen.

We live on the Roseberry Gardens side of the estate and we (attempt) to cross Front Lane at the footpath that adjoins Griffin Ave and Front Lane, and although there is a fenced provision helping to keep people safe from stumbling into the road, there is no provision made to actually cross the road safely, hence the need for a Zebra Crossing to be installed at this end of Front Lane.

Along the length of Front Lane there is actually only 2 safe crossings between the A127 and Cranham Village shops (Avon Road, Zebra Crossing then the crossing at Tesco Express), nothing that caters for the large residential estate at our end (Roseberry Gardens).

I have several "official" written endorsements of my concerns and the need for a further safer crossing on Front Lane, from local Playgroups, Churches and After school clubs.

I made a few proposals that I believe would make Front Lane a safer road, not only to cross, but to drive down as well, to Councillor Gillian Ford, who whilst agreed with the need of another safe crossing, could only put my proposals to local government.

Her reply from local government was:

"Dear Councillor Ford,
Re: Request to install a Zebra Crossing in Front Lane by Griffin Avenue , Cranham Thank you for your email enquiring about the status of the new zebra crossing at the above location. The Highways Service Area has confirmed that the details of the zebra crossing were included in the report to the Highways Advisory Committee which was held on Tuesday, 30th July 2019. I have been advised that although the scheme is feasible, unfortunately there is currently no funding available to undertake the works. As a way forward, it may be included in the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for 2020/21 for a financial grant from the Mayor of London; however this would only be the case if it is ranked on the list of areas that require attention through accidents. The LIP is submitted annually in late October and the schemes are approved in early January the following year, subject to them meeting the Mayor’s Strategy."

NOTE: NO FUNDING AVAILABLE, SUBJECT TO ACCIDENT COUNT!

Hence this Petition I am asking if you would endorse the need for the council to re-address this increasing problem, and to help kids and the elderly cross Front Lane safely and avoid a serious accident.