WYLDS Lane residents have asked local councillors to put pedestrians ahead of motorists and give them a crossing.

The road is a well known "rat run" between London Road and Shrub Hill, and residents say they feel unsafe crossing the narrow lane, where an street parking problem can obscure views of on-coming traffic, - especially near the three schools of Stanley Road, Fort Royal and Newbridge.

City councillor Lynn Denham said, “It is difficult for drivers to see children who step out from between parked cars, which is very dangerous. Local mums have told me that cars are parked so closely together that crossing with a pushchair is very difficult.”

Local man, Adam Scott, added, 'It is important for children and young people to be able to walk safely to play in the park and to activities in the community centre.'

Local Labour councillors decided to conduct a survey of residents during August to gauge the support for pedestrian improvements. The survey responses show that the majority of respondents, 76%, walk along Wylds Lane at least once a day.

Many of those, 43%, said they would actually walk more frequently if there was a safe pedestrian crossing.

There was overwhelming support, 84%, for a crossing on Wylds Lane, with the referred location being near the junction with Midland Road.

City councillor, Jabba Riaz, said: “I was myself injured whilst crossing Wylds Lane as a child, so I have wanted a pedestrian crossing here for a long time.”

The Cathedral Ward Councillors have managed to secure a small amount of funding from previous developments to improve pedestrian conditions. The survey showed widespread support for proposals for better lighting along Midland Road and dropped kerbs by the school crossing patrol.

In the survey, residents also expressed concerns about parking problems on Wylds Lane, speeding traffic and heavy lorries.

County councillor Paul Denham said, “I have raised the concerns of local people about safer walking along Wylds Lane with the County Council. Highways officers say that they understand the issues but the road layout means that there are no easy answers. I want to thank everyone who completed our survey and assure them that I will continue to press for improvements. The survey results show that people want to walk safely. Better pedestrian routes would reduce traffic congestion and promote healthy activity.”

Cllr John Smith, the county's cabinet member for highways said he would "certainly ask highways officers to look at the lane again".

He said: "Obviously, highway safety is top priority for us at all times, - although sometimes there is no suitable place for a crossing."