Parents call for safe Clapham Road crossing for kids

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London Assembly member Val Shawcross has joined local parents in Stockwell in their call for improved road crossings in the busy Clapham Road.

Parents hoped that a new pedestrianised crossing would materialise as part of a section 106 agreement for the Freeman’s development but this was dropped by Transport for London amid concerns about slowing down traffic.

Val said ‘I think this could be an example of how the Mayor of London’s policy of ‘smoothing the traffic’ is resulting in preference being given to the needs of drivers instead of providing safer places for pedestrians to cross the road. I think there is a case for ensuring people can cross the road safely here due to the easier access to the supermarket in the Freemans’ building and gym facilities in Liberty Street, there are also primary schools nearby.’ 

Although an ‘informal’ crossing has been put in place – using a traffic island and bollards, parents say what is needed is a pedestrianised light controlled crossing.

Local parent Emma Francis whose local residents’ association are also backing the call said ‘"I am very concerned about the lack of a proper pedestrian crossing on the Clapham Road between the Freemans building and Albert Square.  Children are particularly vulnerable on this very busy road and local parents agree that it's an accident waiting to happen."