THE plight of a woman who suffered life-threatening injuries when she was struck by a car has sparked renewed calls for a proper crossing on a 'dangerous road'.
The woman, who was crossing the road, suffered serious injuries in the crash in Windermere Drive in Blackpole.
Now an online petition for a pelican crossing is gathering pace.
The woman in her 40s remains in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham following the incident involving a Nissan Figaro at the zebra crossing near Sainsbury's in Blackpole on Wednesday at around 5.20pm.
On Windermere Drive (between Blackpole island and the Sainsburys mini-roundabout), there have been three injury collisions since 2019 (two slight injury collisions and one serious injury collision) which does not include the collision earlier this week.
Cllr Jill Desayrah, Labour councillor for Warndon, had campaigned for a button-operated Pelican crossing last year after a series of accidents and near misses at the zebra crossing.
Cllr Desayrah said: “I had two reasons for asking County Highways to make this Zebra crossing into a Pelican several months ago.
"Firstly several residents confirmed that speeding traffic approaching the crossing was a serious concern.
"Many people waited some time before stepping onto it, because so many cars simply sped through it. Secondly, as a driver I could understand how the lines of sight were not sufficiently clear to make the approach to the crossing safe from either direction.
RECOMMENDED READING: Blackpole Sainsbury's needs a proper crossing as cars 'won't stop'
RECOMMENDED READING: 'No' to Sainsbury's Blackpole pedestrian crossing request
"Driving within the speed limit left little time to see and safely stop for waiting pedestrians. The high metal barriers often obscured the view.
"When the request for the Pelican crossing was refused, on the basis that traffic speeds were not excessive and no accidents had been recorded there, I was far from satisfied. Traffic calming measures were requested instead - 20 mph signs, extra speed bumps, etc.
PETITION: To sign the online petition click here.
"But no action has been taken. It’s very sad and so unnecessary that we have had this accident.”
Tom Collins, who is standing to be Worcester’s next MP for Labour said: "It shouldn’t take this kind of incident to get changes made. I hope the County Council will now urgently address the dangers at this crossing and that the bigger lessons are learnt."
Councillor Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, called the incident 'profoundly distressing' and his thoughts were with the injured woman.
"We extend our heartfelt wishes for her speedy and complete recovery, and our concern equally extends to her dog, who was also grievously injured. Such incidents shake the core of our community, and I want to assure everyone that we take this very seriously.
"As the Cabinet Member, it is my duty and commitment to ensure the safety of our roads and crossings. Please be assured that we are actively working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and are in close communication with the police and investigative teams. We are committed to learning from this incident and will take swift and appropriate action to enhance safety measures wherever necessary."
He said he plans to visit the site to see what improvements might be needed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel