Pupils call for action on dangerous driving

A group of Bradford pupils have asked the council to make their route to school safer for pedestrians after their lollipop person left because the traffic was so bad.

Students from Bradford Girls' Grammar said there had been a series of "near misses" and parked cars regularly blocked the pavement along Squire Lane.

Maryam, a 15-year-old pupil, said: "Every day I take a risk that no child should have to take, just to get an education."

The group presented a petition to Bradford Council, signed by 1,800 people. A council spokesperson said officers would "carry out investigations" and create a report for a future meeting.

The petition called for a new crossing to be created and urgent action to improve safety for pedestrians.

Maryam told councillors about a recent incident in which a mother was injured while crossing the road outside the school with her child.

She criticised the council for its "inaction" over creating a crossing.

The pupils also reminded the council of its commitment to eliminate death and serious injury on the district's roads.

The pupils said there had been many other "near misses".

Ajwa, 12, said: "I have personally seen a lot of students nearly get run over.

"It's really hard, you get scared and anxious. I have had to wait 20 minutes to cross the busy road and girls are always late because of the issue of cars not stopping for them."

The students, all aged 12 to 15, said it was a problem that there was no longer a lollipop person to help them cross.

Malaika, another pupil at the school, said: "When we did have a lollipop person, there was still traffic but there was a safer crossing.

"That's why we need a pedestrian crossing."

She said she and her peers had gathered signatures by sending out online forms to parents as well as collecting them in school.

Another of the group, Hawa, added: "Everyone is rushing to their jobs but for us as students crossing, it's a really big hazard.

"It's really important for the council to implement a safer way for kids to get across to school every day."

Headteacher Caroline Foster said she was "incredibly proud" of the girls for turning a school project into a powerful campaign.

"They have blown us away with their resilience and responsibility," she said.

She said the previous lollipop man had left "because drivers weren't listening to him".

"He was worried for his own safety too, so he moved to a quieter school."

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said they understood "the concerns of pupils and families and recognise the strong feelings around this issue".

"We take school road safety seriously and use a range of measures, such as crossing patrols, 20mph zones and light-controlled crossings where appropriate, following consultation with local communities."

They added that the petition had been referred to the Bradford West Area Committee.

"Officers will now carry out investigations, and a report will be brought to a future committee meeting," they said.

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