We are a group of concerned parents whose children attend Wilbury Junior School in Letchworth Garden City. Like many children in the area, our children can walk home independently from school. Each day children navigate the challenge of crossing Bedford Road - a busy through-route where vehicles frequently travel at speed and visibility is limited by parked cars during school drop off and pick up times.

Until recently, a street crossing patrol officer (lollipop lady) provided vital protection. However, Hertfordshire County Council, who are responsible for road safety and highway maintenance, have confirmed they have no funding to replace the retired patrol officer and no alternative plans are in place to create an alternative safe crossing. 

The only available crossing points are small central refuges either side of Bursland, which itself is a very busy junction. This forces children and families to cross near turning traffic, significantly increasing the risk and making an already dangerous situation even more unsafe.

We are calling for:

• A clearly enforced 20mph zone along this section of road
• The installation of either a zebra crossing or signal-controlled pedestrian crossing
• A formal road safety review of Bedford Road / Bursland Road junction area

Evidence from the Department for Transport consistently shows that lower speed limits and controlled crossings significantly reduce pedestrian injury risk. A 20mph zone alone dramatically reduces the likelihood of fatal injury, and when combined with a marked crossing, creates a safer, calmer environment for children, families and the wider local community.

Hertfordshire County Council has a statutory duty to maintain road safety. We urge them to act now and implement meaningful, permanent safety measures outside Wilbury Junior School. 

Please lend your voice to this cause. Sign the petition to support the installation of a 20mph zone and a pedestrian crossing on Bedford Road for the safety and security of our community.

Thank you for your support!