Road safety measures are set to be introduced outside a Market Harborough school, following intervention by the town’s MP. Neil O’Brien was invited to visit Little Bowden Primary School earlier this year by the headteacher who was concerned about the children’s safety during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
The school is located on Scotland Road where there are yellow ‘keep clear’ zig-zag lines preventing drivers from parking on one side of the road. However, this resulted in cars parking on the other side, creating a dangerous situation where drivers can’t see children trying to cross the road. On his visit to the school, the headteacher told Neil that he had witnessed several near misses and was extremely worried that someone would get hurt.
After writing to Leicestershire County Council, they have now agreed to paint additional ‘keep clear’ markings on the other side of the road, making it much safer for children to cross the road.
Neil commented:
“This is a great result, and I am delighted that the County Council has agreed to paint lines on both sides of the road outside Little Bowden Primary School. When I visited back in March, there was some frustration that the Council was not taking the problem seriously enough. Despite several requests, they felt like they were getting nowhere, so they asked me to intervene.
“I am glad that common sense has finally prevailed. It was only a matter of time before someone was going to get hurt, it had become very dangerous outside the school.”
Once painted, the lines will be mandatory and the restriction will apply from Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm to ensure the area is kept clear for the safety of the school children.
