Zebra crossing 'too dangerous to use' (From Barry And District News)

Zebra crossing 'too dangerous to use'

A PETITION signed by more than 800 people has been presented to the local authority complaining about a zebra crossing on Holton Road.

Residents are reluctant to use the crossing, near Burlington Street and Bassett Street, for fear of being hit by accelerating drivers cresting the hill. Parent Roger Thomas-Jones, of Burlington Street, takes his son to and from school and has to use the crossing.

He said: "It is dangerous to go across. Cars do not want to stop and speed past. I recently reported a bike that nearly mowed my son and I down.

"The whole idea of using this point to cross the road is to get across safely."

Mr Thomas-Jones added: "I think the road would benefit with a central reservation for people to hide from the traffic.

"It is so dangerous at peak times that many people are frightened to use the crossing. There are some elderly people who use it to get to the other side.

"As a governor of Holton Road Primary School, along with Cllr Barry Shaw, I am concerned about children walking to school.

"If there was a set of lights it would be beneficial for the walkers. "Everyone seems to be in a hurry all of the time. It is a problem on the roads. People overtake and are only a few spaces in front."

Vale of Glamorgan councillor Barry Shaw, of the Castleland ward, has also pledged his support to parents campaigning to make the crossing safer.

Cllr Shaw said: "I support the petition. I think the main problem is the fact that people do not feel safe when they cross the road. I think it is only a matter of time before somebody is hurt."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: "We can confirm we have taken receipt of the petition and it will be considered by the relevant department in due course."