We, the undersigned residents of North Hertfordshire, call on Hertfordshire County Council (Highways) and North Hertfordshire District Council to install a formal pedestrian crossing—preferably a raised zebra crossing—at one or both of the existing informal crossing points on Pirton Road, Hitchin.

There are two locations on Pirton Road currently equipped with dropped kerbs and tactile paving (near Tudor Court and near the Wratten Road mini-roundabout). Under the Department for Transport’s Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving (DfT, 2018), this design signifies an intended pedestrian crossing point, including for blind and partially sighted people.

Despite this, neither location provides pedestrian priority, speed control, or adequate visibility. Both are situated on a heavily trafficked strategic through-route between Luton/M1 and Stevenage/A1, where vehicle speeds are frequently excessive. These crossing points are used daily by a significant number of schoolchildren walking to Hitchin Boys' School, Hitchin Girls' School, Priory, and other local schools, yet there is no safe formal crossing at either location.

A local schoolchild was struck by a car in September 2025 while attempting to cross at one of these locations, highlighting the urgent need for safe infrastructure.

We therefore request that:

1. Hertfordshire County Council undertakes an urgent pedestrian safety assessment of both recognised crossing points on Pirton Road;

2. Installs a formal zebra crossing—ideally raised—at one or both locations, with associated safety features (clear markings, improved lighting, signage, and where needed, traffic calming);

3. Ensures compliance with DfT guidance on accessibility and the Equality Act (2010), given the existing tactile paving for visually impaired users.

A safe, formal crossing on Pirton Road is now overdue, widely supported, and essential for children, families, older residents, and anyone walking between the Offley Road area and Hitchin town centre.