A petition to install traffic lights at a pedestrian crossing in Sandown is gaining traction following a road traffic collision earlier this year and a series of recent near-misses.
A petition urging the Isle of Wight Council to install traffic lights at a pedestrian crossing on Broadway, was started at the end of September, following a road traffic collision that left a woman with serious injuries back in July.
Located just metres from The Bay CE Primary School, supporters of the petition argue that a controlled crossing would provide a safer environment for all road users, and could significantly reduce the risk of further incidents.
Although zebra crossings are intended to offer protection for pedestrians, campaigners say the reliance on driver awareness and willingness to stop is not enough – particularly at peak school times.
Campaigners say the installation of traffic lights would:
- Improve safety for children crossing to and from school
- Reduce the chance of driver error or non-compliance
- Help regulate vehicle flow in the area
Candi Lefley, who set up the petition, has said:
“After the recent incident of a dear friend being knocked over by a car and hospitalized for 7 weeks and then my two sons almost being knocked over whilst half way across the zebra crossing ‘enough is enough’ Near misses are happening far too often at this crossing”
Clive Bishop, another parent, has said:
“Me and my son had a terrifying experience on the zebra crossing where a vehicle was too impatient to wait on traffic and decided to mount the pavement narrowly avoiding hitting us.
“I reported this incident to the police, local councillors, Island roads and the MP”
Why would anyone with the merest hint of intelligence, place a crossing next to a junction?
Crossings are allowed and often required near schools, even close to junctions, because the need to protect children and manage heavy pedestrian flows takes precedence over normal junction spacing guidelines. As long as visibility, signage, and layout meet safety standards, this placement is considered both safe and necessary.
While it’s a great idea, most cars that ignore zebra crossings also ignore red lights.
Most vehicles ignore speeding rules and traffic lights.
The island is full of Numpty lawless drivers.
Perhaps rather than traffic lights, we would be better placed by investing in: –
Speeding is rife on this lawless island.
I cannot believe in 2025 speed cameras do not exist
on the island.
SHOCKING!!
Time for speed cameras and speed humps
to be placed along Beachfield Road whilst at it.