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Boris rejects ‘death trap’ action
A PETITION calling for the extension of the traffic light sequence on a Marylebone crossing dubbed a “death trap” by residents has been rejected by Mayor Boris Johnson.
Actor Olivia Williams launched a campaign in July to demand action from Transport for London (TfL) over the dangerous crossing, which is used daily by schoolchildren at nearby St Mary’s Primary – where her children attend.
The campaign won huge support from residents and the petition was presented to the Mayor by London Assembly Member Murad Qureshi.
But in a letter to Mr Qureshi, Mr Johnson said changes are “impossible” as they would cause “significant detrimental effect on the flow of traffic in the area”.
Ms Williams, who lives in Balcombe Street, said the Mayor’s response was “extremely depressing”.
She added: “It reveals an underlying principle that the flow of traffic takes precedence over the safety of children walking to school.”
Fellow parent Rose Hobley added: “It really doesn’t seem right that so many people are stressed and endangered on a daily basis for the sake of literally a few seconds longer crossing times. Which is more important – the lives of children or a tiny delay for the traffic?”
The crossing has a history of road accidents. In May a 44-year-old pedestrian died nearby after being hit by a skip lorry just beyond the junction. |
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