I am creating this petition after witnessing a horrendous crash involving a 2 car collision on Cleveland Road, Sunderland this morning, at 8:55am on 11 October 2019, whilst returning from the school run there was an almighty smash and within minutes emergency services were at the scene.

This incident, is one of a string of crashes and near misses on this road, including an accident on the corner of Colchester Terrace, in which a vehicle lost control and collided with and subsequently destroyed a brick wall, next door to a shop, where many people including children, come, go and tend to wait around.

Cleveland Road is used as a thoroughfare to other roads such as Ettrick Grove, Ormonde Street, Chester Road, as well as a route to the hospital and the city centre, and is situated roughly 100yds from Barnes Infant and Junior Schools. With many pedestrians including children, some unaccompanied, crossing this road every day, it's only a matter of time before we see a fatality. I am starting this petition to stop that from happening.

Having spoke to local residents, the problem is almost always speeding vehicles, on the straight stretch of road between Ettrick Grove and Ormonde Street. One resident told me her windows shake due to the speed some drivers race past her house!

I propose 3 solutions:

● Lower the western stretch of Cleveland Road (between Ormonde Street and Ettrick Grove) to 20mph due to its proximity to both schools and the volume of both traffic and pedestrians who access the area every day.

● Install speed humps or chicanes to aid in reducing speed.

● If possible, install traffic lights/a crossing at the busy junction on Colchester Terrace, or at the very least a zebra crossing that is patrolled at busy times.

As a mother of 3 Barnes Junior pupils, two of which still attend this school, and the eldest of the two who has just started walking there with friends, this issue is very close to my heart and I'm raising it on behalf of every parent and guardian, so please sign this petition and help me save lives. Don't let a fatal accident be the only reason this gets fixed, let's fix it NOW.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.