Bold warning: children are at risk at a busy Derby crossing, and urgent action is overdue.
Portway Infant School’s headteacher, Lisa McSherry, is appealing to Derby City Council to intervene immediately so pupils can cross Blenheim Drive in Allestree more safely.
Hundreds of parents are calling for a dedicated school crossing patrol (a lollipop person) because the zebra crossing is deemed too dangerous for young students at peak times.
Residents report that some drivers ignore the crossing, causing near-misses, while frequent, careless parking nearby makes crossing during busy periods exceptionally challenging.
Derby City Council has stated that the crossing currently meets the criteria for an upgrade and that a review process has begun. However, the council did not confirm whether a school patrol officer would be assigned to the area.
The crossing is a key route for children heading to Portway Infant School and Portway Junior School during morning and afternoon school runs.
A petition supporting faster action to recruit new lollipop patrols has gathered more than 700 signatures.
Headteacher McSherry says she regularly receives complaints from worried parents. When asked if children are in danger, she responded with a firm, “Absolutely yes,” citing near-misses and drivers who fail to notice waiting children.
Dominika Walker, who organized the petition, argues that drivers are often distracted or not paying enough attention to the crossing. She describes it as an exceptionally busy and dangerous junction that has witnessed too many near-misses involving children and fast-moving traffic. She contends that it should not take a serious accident to prompt action.
Walker also points out a broader trend: more families are choosing to walk to school to support physical and mental well-being, a goal Derby City Council itself promotes. Yet, with more pedestrians, the risks at this junction are rising.
Reetika Saluja, a parent of a five-year-old, says she frequently feels fear when crossing with her child and emphasizes the need for a safety measure to address ongoing concerns.
In response, a Derby City Council spokesperson reiterated that children’s safety is a priority and acknowledged concerns about the Blenheim Drive zebra crossing. They noted that recent assessments show the crossing qualifies for an upgrade and that the site is included in the Allestree Neighbourhood Plan. The proposal has been forwarded to ward councillors and neighbourhood officers, and feedback is awaited.
Allestree councillor Ged Potter described the upgrade as part of a 12-month consultation, stressing that urgent action is needed now. He recalled warning, years ago, that the issue must be resolved before someone gets hurt, and he emphasized that the public’s strong demand for change remains.
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Would you support allocating a dedicated crossing patrol to this site now, or do you think the planned upgrade should come first? Share your thoughts in the comments.
