John Baron MP, Cllr Kay Twitchen and Headteacher Michael Wade welcome road safety improvements for Quilters School

MP thanks all involved in campaign

John Baron MP has today welcomed new measures to improve road safety outside Quilters School in Billericay. John was contacted by the Headteacher of Quilters School, Mr Michael Wade, following parents’ concerns about their children’s safety on their walk to school. John met with parents and Mr Wade at the school and made representations on their behalf to Essex County Council. Following a site visit by a Highways Officer, and the involvement of Cllr Kay Twitchen, the County Council has agreed to proceed with improvement measures to make the area safer, but the entire programme of improvements will take some time.

John said:

“The School and parents initially contacted me after a number of near misses involving their children and other members of the community. Working together with Cllr Kay Twitchen, we made representations to the County Council which has now agreed to fund the measures suggested by the parents. My thanks go to all concerned.”

Cllr Kay Twitchen said:

“The safety measures include new signage in Laindon Road, a keep clear section on the Sun corner roundabout, changes to the crossing lights at the top of London Road, and some cutting back of trees to improve sightlines.   It is a comprehensive package.  Nothing is more important that the safety of our children.””

Mr Michael Wade said:

“It is both impressive and reassuring how quickly the appropriate safety measures have been identified and plans have been agreed to implement these. The measures will reduce the risk of a serious accident considerably and will make the roads around our school safer for all pedestrians.  My sincere thanks go to all of the parents and carers who have taken the time to raise their concerns with me and to all of those people who signed the petition to ask for swift action.”

Ends

Word Count: 323

Date: 28/2/14

Notes to Editors

Please refer to ‘John Baron MP, Quilter’s School Headteacher, parents and Essex Highways meet over dangerous crossing’ [11^th October 2013]

The attached photo shows John with parents, Mr Michael Wade and Mr Chris Stoneham of Essex County Council at their last site visit in October 2013.

The proposed measures are as follows:

1. Re-painting the ‘Keep Clear’ markings on the Sun Corner roundabout. This is aimed at preventing people blocking the roundabout and creating frustration for other drivers who then speed away from the roundabout and fail to notice the crossing on London Road.
2. Funding has been agreed for school signage in Laindon Road.
3. The use of a cherry picker to cut back overhanging branches in London road, which will make the crossing and traffic lights more visible to approaching vehicles.
4. Funding has been agreed for replacing the lights on the crossing with LED lights which are higher and more visible for vehicles.