Is this the Most Dangerous School Crossing in Bath?

11.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 11th Feb 2008

Last summer it was widely reported that the crossing on Pulteney Rd in Widcombe, Bath had been crushed by an out-of-control car. As this is a crossing much used by parents and children going to the Widcombe Infants and Junior schools, this caused considerable concern, especially as it was the second time in 18 months that such an accident had occurred. Then a further accident at the crossing occurred in November, making it three times.

Now, a fourth accident has occurred here, on Wednesday February 6 at approx 10.30 in the morning. A green Mondeo driven by a man struck the central island causing considerable damage to the bollard. There was apparently little damage to the car which reversed and drove off. However this incident has profoundly shaken all regular users of the crossing, who say it further reinforces their argument that this is probably the most dangerous school crossing in Bath, and that much should be done to improve the situation.

Councillor Ian Gilchrist (Widcombe) says, "I was contacted by a worried parent, Mrs Domini Barry, almost immediately after the latest accident. She knows the whole history of incidents at this place and is most concerned for people's safety. Mrs Barry was with me when I presented a petition to the councillor (Charles Gerrish) in charge of roads at Cabinet last September. It is clear that the current measures planned are slow in coming and even when in place will not provide the confidence that locals are demanding. I am taking this up with council officers again at the highest level."

Four accidents have occurred at the Pulteney Road Crossing in Widcombe.

Mrs Fran Bryden (Chair of Governors at Widcombe Junior School) says, "As soon as I heard about the latest crash I spoke with Robert Stanley, our crossing man, parent Domini Barry, and Christine Fairweather, Junior School secretary. Putting these together it seems that the crossing was struck between 10.30am and 10.45am on Tuesday by a green car which drove over the top of the island, taking down the light they were trying to install.

'Christine, whose office overlooks the crossing, heard the crunch and saw the car stopped on the island before it drove off. Passers-by cleared some of the debris, and the council called by Christine were very prompt in arriving to tidy up further.

Domini has called the council but was apparently told that drivers cause accidents not islands. Having seen Robert working the crossing this morning it is clear that it is currently dangerous, in that the rest area in the island is smaller than usual because of the debris. Robert has reported the crash to his supervisor regarding his own safety."

Witness, Martyn James, whose home overlooks the crossing says, "I was working that day when I heard the crash. Looking out of the window I was astonished to see a green car reversing backwards off the traffic island with which he had obviously just collided. I know the history of this crossing and I am most concerned that someone will be killed or seriously injured unless something is done. I am all the more concerned as my little boy has just started at the Infants school, and my wife Laura and I use the crossing at least twice a day."

Related Link:

More about Councillor Ian Gilchrist