Call to improve pedestrian safety near Northampton school

County councillor Gareth Eales (Lab, Dallington Spencer) says congestion and parking near St James CEVA Primary pose a danger to pedestrians, particularly at busy times.

He wants to see safety improved near the Lewis Road entrance to the school and at the nearby junction of Baring Road and Vicarage Road.

Councillor Eales said: “There have been several near misses where parents and children could have been struck by a vehicle, which is of severe concern.”

On Lewis Road, congestion and parking causes problems for those trying to cross the road. Councillor Eales suggested extended pavement barriers and a crossing area would solve the issue.

At the Vicarage Road junction, pedestrians face similar problems, made worse at times by parked cars.

Councillor Eales says double yellow lines on the junction corners and the installation of a crossing in Vicarage Road would be one solution. He said: “I have already had previous site meetings with highways officers looking at these matters, but no action has been taken to date due to budget cuts.

“But my view is you cannot put a price on safety. There are without doubt legitimate problems and the solutions I am seeking are fairly straightforward. I am taking up these matters once again on behalf of my constituents to try to get the resolutions desperately needed.”

But a Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: “There are already a number of safety measures in place outside the school and the additional safety improvements Councillor Eales has requested have been scored previously and did not meet the criteria.

“As with all highway works, we need to look at the impact on all road users and the residents in the area and it needs to be the best use of the funding available to us.

“We are continuing to work with Councillor Eales to discuss the issues he has raised.”