Calls for tougher safety measures after children hit by cars on London Road in Allington, Maidstone
Safety concerns have been raised about a road near a school after two children were hit by cars in six months.
In the latest incident, on June 7, a girl was taken to hospital after she was struck[1] at the junction of Queens Avenue and London Road, Maidstone[2].
A child was hit by a car near the junction of Queens Avenue and London Road, Maidstone. Picture: Google Maps
A woman and child were also hit at the same place back in January.
Cllr Stanley Forecast (Con) lives just 30 seconds away from the crash site and says it is “very worrying”.
He said: “First and foremost, I am pleased the child has not been seriously hurt based upon the comments from their grandmother and parents.
“However, two children being hit by cars at this junction this year is very worrying for me as both the Councillor for Allington ward as well as someone who lives 30 seconds away with two young stepbrothers that walk past for school everyday.”
He said he has been informed by residents of the dangers of crossing the road throughout London Road – starting at the top Buckland hill all the way through to the M&S garage opposite Castle Road.
Councillor Stanley Forecast
“Given the Queen Avenue junctions close proximity to multiple schools, as well as the local population increasing, action is certainly required,” he explained.
“The Bridge next to Leafy Lane is simply not always plausible for younger children, pushchairs, and elderly residents.
“I have been coordinating with Councillor Tom Cannon and lobbying Kent County Council (KCC) for safety measures such as a new crossing signage, improvement to sight lines, or an additional island.
“If elected to KCC this July I will continue to advocate for this and help fund through my subsequent community funding grant if necessary.”
“We need to prioritise safety for pedestrians and cyclists…”
Cllr Stuart Jeffrey (Green) also said that the roads are becoming more and more congested, and people are becoming increasingly difficult to travel around.
He said: “It is no wonder that accidents happen and I hope that the child has recovered from the latest accident at this junction.
“Our town needs a fundamental rethink about how we travel around Maidstone. We need to prioritise safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We need significantly more buses so that the need for cars is reduced and we need a lower speed limit on residential streets.
“Not only would this be safer but it would be more sustainable too.”
References
- ^ she was struck (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ Maidstone (www.kentonline.co.uk)