Lollipop lady starts work at notorious Sheffield accident blackspot in road safety boost
Campaigners want a 20mph speed limit next
Delighted residents finally have a lollypop lady in place at a notorious Sheffield accident blackspot.
Wednesday morning is to be the first day of the new crossing patrol on Harborough Avenue, near Manor, after a long campaign by residents and local councillors, who also want a 20mph limit on the road.
Recent incidents have included a pedestrian being injured in a collision with a van in July, two people being taken to hospital after an e-bike rider crashed into a bicycle being ridden by a teenage girl in June, and a car crashing into a house in April.
Ward councillors confirmed that the patrol was starting today, describing it as a ‘first step’ in making the road safer.
Manor Castle Coun Laura Moynahan said: “We've been working with local residents to campaign for better road safety of Harborough Avenue after several serious incidents earlier this year.
“We're delighted that we've been able to secure a new school crossing patrol and hope everyone gives Hayley (who will be doing the job) a warm welcome.
“We are determined to urgently get a proper pedestrian crossing to make it safer for residents and will be holding a public meeting about it in October."
Coun Elle Dodd, who also represents Manor Castle, said officials were currently monitoring speeding on Harborough Avenue, adding that residents may have seen the sign as they drive in from Prince of Wales Road.
“This will support our campaign for urgent road safety measures, including a pedestrian crossing,” she said.
Coun Moynahan told The Star in July that she wanted to see a 20mph limit brought in because of the number of incidents there.
She said at the time: “We will keep up the campaign for 20mph speed limits, traffic calming and a pedestrian crossing at Harborough Avenue.”
Coun Moynahan said that both she and her colleague had been told in the past by council officials that the problem was due to recent housing developments - but she says that problems on the road pre-date those.
“That road has always been a nightmare,” she said.
“It has always been a problem, because people speed on it to get to Prince of Wales Road. We’ve been asking for a pedestrian crossing for a few years.”