Feltham and Heston MP Seema Malhotra has backed a grieving family’s campaign to get a pelican crossing installed at a dangerous junction on Great West Road following the tragic death of 84 year old Heston resident Terence Gillard in September.
Terence Gillard, 84, was a loving husband and father. He was hit by a car in September while crossing the A4 at the junction after posting a birthday card, suffering serious injuries. He passed away 7 days later.
Terry was a much-loved pillar of the community, chairing his local residents’ association. He was a generous man who supported everyone around him. Following his death, the family launched a petition calling for a pelican crossing to be installed at the junction. The petition, set up by Terry’s widow, Chotti and son Arjun, has received almost 1000 signatures on paper and online.
After meeting the family, Malhotra also wrote to TfL and Hounslow Council to organise a meeting at the junction with Terry’s family to review the crossing and what could be done to improve safety. This meeting took place on 10th March 2023 and last week, Malhotra also presented the petition in Parliament.
The petition calls for Transport for London and Hounslow Council to review the safety of crossing at this unsafe junction to avoid further loss of life and for more safety measures must be introduced as soon as possible. A formal Government response is expected within two months.
Seema Malhotra commented:
“This has been a devastating tragedy and our hearts go out to the Gillard family. We need to make sure this never happens again. I want to thank the family for all they have done to campaign on this and raise awareness about the crossing.
“This is clearly an unsafe junction. We need to see urgent action to agree and make the changes to prevent any further injuries or loss of life. We owe it to Terry to make this happen.”
Speaking in response to news that the MP was presenting the petition in Parliament, the Gillard family said:
“Chotti and her son, Arjun, appreciate all Seema’s efforts and support that she, and her team have provided.”
“The junction is so dangerous. We do not want another family to go through the pain and loss of their loved one that we are experiencing since his death.”