PEOPLE are calling for a road outside two schools to be made safer, claiming it is an “accident waiting to happen” for children every day.
West Blatchington Primary and King’s School, a secondary school with 750 pupils, both relocated to Hangleton Way in Hove in 2019 due to their growing numbers.
As a result, the council’s transport department undertook plans as part of its “safer routes to school” scheme to improve walking and cycling in the area at that time.
But now there are calls to change Brighton and Hove City Council’s existing improvements, with some governors at the school saying there should be further measures to prevent an accident on the 20mph road.
The King’s School headteacher Sarah Price, governors and councillors met at the crossing yesterday morning to discuss what should be done.
The council says it is “aware” of concerns about the crossing and has ordered electric school warning signs that are calendar-controlled to operate during school times.
It said it was in touch with the school to “discourage” parents from dropping off right outside it.
Nick Lewry, Conservative councillor for Hangleton and Knoll, said parts of the road layout “need fixing”.
He said: “This red patch on the road isn’t a crossing and is causing confusion.
“We stood there for half an hour on Wednesday, Councillor Dawn Barnett and I, along with the principal, the governors and the school’s traffic management officer, and it was clear many parts of the road layout need fixing.
“We need zig-zag lines to be extended, better signage, including flashing signs that other school roads have and a better road layout. If others schools can have these flashing signs, why can’t these schools.
“Dawn and I will writing to the chief executive of the council to request this as a matter of urgency before an accident happens.”
King’s School headteacher Sarah Price said: “We would, of course, welcome any review of road safety measures on Hangleton Way, and especially of the signage around both schools, and the provision of an adequate road crossing for the use of all students and their families.”
A council spokesman said: “We are aware of concerns the King's School has raised with us about the road crossing on Hangleton Way.
“The current crossing is raised to help with traffic calming. We have resurfaced it with a bright red surface to alert drivers more.
“We have also ordered two school warning signs that are calendar-controlled so only operate at school times and during term time.
“This stops drivers becoming used to seeing them at all times of day and night – and instead concentrates their minds when it is needed.
“Vegetation that was obstructing a school clearway sign has been removed.
“We are also working with the school to help them discourage parents from parking right next to the school at drop-off and pick-up times, as this can reduce visibility for pedestrians and make things less safe.”
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