Campaigning pays off as school crossing is approved

A zebra crossing for a primary school has finally been approved.

After several years of campaigning, Nottinghamshire County Council has announced it will pay for a crossing near Tuxford Primary Academy.

The news was met with delight by local councillor Mr John Ogle and the school.

In November 2015, Mr Ogle presented a 483-signature petition to the county council chairman.

“I am delighted with the decision to provide a zebra crossing near the school,” Mr Ogle said.

“It can be extremely dangerous as many vehicles travelling north along Newark Road have just exited the A1 as they approach the school, and drivers tend to be slow adapting from the national speed limit down to 30mph, which is legally required in this built-up area.”

The plans have been included in the county council’s 2018/19 integrated transport programme.

Until April, 2013, a school crossing patrol was provided but, when they retired, a survey was conducted under the previous council administration and the site was deemed to not meet the criteria for a new patrol.

Mr Ogle said: “I shared the disappointment of parents and teachers regarding this decision and we were all concerned there would be a serious accident.

“On the opposite side of Newark Road from the school is a large estate of family-sized houses, which provide a significant number of the academy’s pupils, so every school day these children and others must cross this dangerous road at least twice.”

'Top priority'

In early 2016 Mr Ogle also made a speech in the council chamber highlighting the need for a crossing.

Mr John Cottee, chairman of the council’s communities and place committee, said: “Improving the quality and safety of our roads is a top priority.

“We have identified an additional £5m for transport improvements in 2018/19, as part of a £31m capital programme, which has allowed us to bring forward a number of additional schemes, including the much-needed zebra crossing on Newark Road, near to Tuxford Primary Academy.

“Councillor Ogle, in tandem with parents, pupils and other residents presented a compelling case for a new crossing and they should be congratulated for their passionate campaign.

“Now that the finance is in place, we will press on with the feasibility and design work and carry out any necessary consultation.”

Tuxford academy principal Miss Louise Davidson said: “We are overwhelmed by the support we have received over the last five years from the community.

“Thankfully Nottinghamshire County Council has recognised the desperate need for a crossing outside our academy.

“While we are pleased with the decision, this is only the start.

“We have more work to do with the council and we will be working in partnership with other local primary and secondary schools to seek a strict 20mph limit and more robust parking restrictions outside all schools to prevent a road accident injury or loss of life.”