Councillor in call for crossing on busy road

A COVENTRY councillor has called for a zebra crossing in her ward after someone broke their wrist while trying to cross the road.

Other people have also fallen while crossing Earlsdon High Street by the Co-op store, a petition states.

Many have also criticised the “dreadful state of pavements”, it added.

It continued: “Elderly folk, especially those relying on frame or other walking aids, often find themselves near the roundabout and are unable to cross to enter the Co-op.”

The petition, supported by Cllr Kindy Sandhu, also calls for action to reduce the number of cars. The petition added: “Double parking, which is often seen here, is really a hazard to pedestrians.

“This links up with an ongoing campaign to limit vehicles around schools and shopping areas to avoid pollution.

“This, I know, has been addressed in the centre but many people come to the High Street to its numerous cafes as well as to shop – how wonderful it would be to take coffee outside on their terraces without breathing in fumes from passing traffic.”

A 129-strong petition in support will be discussed by the cabinet member of city services on Monday, January 21.

A report ahead of the meeting said two injury collisions had been recorded in the last three years, both involving reversing vehicles. But this is below the minimum of six or more recorded injury collisions, whereby the council prioritises a scheme.

The council has investigated alternative solutions, but said there is not enough space for a refuge island closer to the roundabout due to bus stops.

A report added: “To install additional crossing measures in the location requested would require substantial changes to how the road is used in terms of the positioning/removal of bus stops and parking bays. The concerns relating to parking have been passed to the City Councils Parking Services Team and issues relating to the condition of the footway are addressed by current procedures.”