Sheffield Council agrees to consider crossing on dangerous road after petition draws 6000 signatures

The Friends of Ecclesall Woods launched the petition for a safe crossing on Abbey Lane following an increase in use and fear that someone would be hurt there.

Now, councillor Julie Grocutt, cabinet member for transport, said it will look to put one in place.

In an answer to a full council question by councillor Barbara Masters who has supported the Friends with the campaign, she said: “I fully accept that the use of our amazing public spaces, be it, woodlands, parks and countryside have seen a significant rise in popularity over the past 12 months.

“At Ecclesall Woods, the great work the council has been doing, and continues to do at the Woodland Centre, mean it is likely to continue to be in high demand.

“That’s why, I am instructing a feasibility study into the provision of a crossing point in this location. This work will also include how this general road environment could be altered to meet the needs of the users of the area.

“Although pedestrian and cycle movements are considerations within the setting of speed limits, there are several other factors to consider. I appreciate that an increase in activity of these movements will influence the outcomes of the assessment, however, the other factors still remain and will need to be considered.

“This includes the history of collisions, road geometry and engineering, road function, existing traffic speeds and the road environment.

“To confirm, following this council’s commitment to look at crossing points in the area, there could be change to the physical environment and an assessment on the speed limit will be included in that feasibility work.”

Those who signed the petition left comments saying it is frightening crossing the road, that someone’s dog was run over there and it broke their heart and that measures would significantly improve many people’s lives and might save somebody’s.

One, Holly Smith-Williams said: “It’s treacherous trying to cross the road on Abbey lane. I usually cross dragging a barking dog and screaming kids. I’m probably screaming too. You literally take your life in your hands.”