As a concerned parent, I have experienced first-hand the risks my child and all young students face on Vicarage Road on their way to Oaklands Infants School and Dovedale Nursery, and indeed between the two sites. Despite being a busy residential area including a heavily used bus stop, an infants school, nursery (with after school clubs used by Oakands children), a sports centre used by the community, and also a busy college, vehicles frequently violate the speed limit of 20mph. Without a secure pedestrian crossing, children's safety is at constant risk. Each day, I watch with growing unease as young children navigate the dangerous mix of rushing cars, illegally parked cars causing obstructions, and the absence of a safe crossing point. 

It's clear that this commonly used crossing point and bus stop location urgently needs a Zebra Crossing to provide a much needed safety measure for school children, and residents, who cross here every day. By doing so, we would not only offer pedestrians safer passage, but also make strides in reducing the speed of vehicles as they would need to be mindful and prepared for the zebra crossing. 

Recent statistics show that most accidents near schools occur due to lack of safe pedestrian crossings (UK Department of Transport, 2019). A zebra crossing on Vicarage road would ensure that our children can reach school and nursery safely, reducing the risk of accidents, and allowing parents and caregivers to feel secure in the knowledge that their children's safety is prioritized.

In a bid to greatly reduce the risk of harm and provide a safe crossing location we urge the local authority to pay heed to our safety concerns, implement a Zebra Crossing and possibly even review other traffic calming measures such as speed cameras. Please help us make Old Moulsham's roads safer for children and residents by signing this petition now.