Parents patrol school crossing after children hit

Parents have begun patrolling a zebra crossing outside a school in Peterborough amid fears speeding drivers could cause a serious accident.

Elliott and Joanne have been helping pupils cross safely near Dogsthorpe Academy on Central Avenue. They said they believed three children had been struck by cars "in the space of a week".

Cambridgeshire Police said two children sustained minor injuries in separate collisions with cars on Central Avenue on 24 and 25 September.

Peterborough City Council said it was aware of parents' concerns and it would assess the situation during a site visit later this week.

Joanne, 45, feared another child could be injured unless more steps were taken to cut drivers' speed.

"We can't do these [patrols] forever... so we're just asking for support.

"Otherwise, we're leaving the children to walk over the road, and it's going to happen again. I assure you, without fail."

Elliott, 30, who said his son had been struck by a car last week but had not been seriously hurt, described the situation as "an absolute shambles".

He said he had "witnessed several incidents at the crossing in recent years" and felt not enough had been done to improve safety.

"There's been no change to the speed limit, there's a patrol light over there that's supposed to flash when the kids are around, but I don't think that works...

"The kids don't come to school to be hit by cars, but to learn," he said.

Although the road has a 20mph limit, Elliott said lowering it further could "reduce the risk to children".

Earlier this month, a new crossing was installed outside Newark Hill Academy on Eastfield Road following calls from residents and councillors for improved road safety.

The school previously had a crossing patrol officer, but the role was removed as part of Peterborough City Council's 2024-25 budget cuts.

Ishfaq Hussain, an Independent councillor for Dogsthorpe, said the new crossing had already been making a positive difference.

"There are two schools on this road and I have a lot of concerned parents contact me," he said.

"Unfortunately, people are not adhering to the zebra crossing."

"Parents shouldn't have to do this but they are forced to stand here to keep children safe."

He is calling for a similar pelican crossing outside Dogsthorpe Academy, alongside a speed camera and a designated school zone to encourage motorists to slow down.

Angus Ellis, a Labour councillor who is Peterborough's cabinet member for transport, said: "We are aware of concerns from parents at Dogsthorpe Academy and our officers will be taking part in a site visit later this week to assess the situation.

"Our highways teams regularly review the city's network and will consider installing safety measures where appropriate."

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