I was contacted by a constituent following a road traffic accident outside Wellington Primary School on 31st March 2021, which involved a 5-year-old pupil being struck by a motorbike whilst crossing the road. 

This unfortunate incident prompted urgent calls from the school and local community for improved street safety outside Wellington Primary School. 

I was deeply concerned about the incident and visited the accident site in front of Wellington Primary School to meet teachers, parents and governors. We discussed the incident and what actions were being taken to ensure no further incidents of this nature would happen again. 

After hearing the perspectives of the school community, I contacted Hounslow Council to communicate the need for speed restrictions, zebra crossing, signage, road markings and a review of the entrances by the school. 

After a few months, the council began a consultation process on the installation of a zebra crossing and improved traffic signage. Upon hearing this was set to be delayed for a few months, I presented the gravity of this issue to the council and urged them to prioritise the construction of a crossing, something that could be a life-saving part of the local area. 

I am delighted to say that the consultation process is now complete and Hounslow council will aim to complete the new street design by September/October 2021, with construction commencing shortly thereafter. Based on the rate of progress so far, I have been told that the crossing should be in place by the end of this year. 

School road safety is incredibly important, and safer roads encourage children and their families to feel confident and safe. Across the UK, there have been consistently high records of road accidents near schools. The AXA RoadSafe Schools Report highlighted the worrying number of road traffic accidents that occur close to many schools and according to the road safety charity, Brake, every 20 minutes someone is killed or seriously injured on our country’s roads (2020). 

I will continue to work with local schools and liaise with Hounslow Council to implement more safety measures so that we can all as a community, ensure that our children remain safe on their way to school.