School roads to be improved amid safety concerns

There have also been challenges to fill the vacancies for crossing patrol officers

Safety on roads leading to a York primary school could be improved, after a petition was lodged by parents.

The petition, which went before a York Council transport meeting, claimed careless driving had affected children travelling to Fishergate Primary School.

School routes, including Kent Street, were deemed "not currently safe" by councillor Kate Ravilious.

A report stated, despite meeting criteria for a school crossing patrol, Fishergate's post had been vacant for years.

As part of the decision made on 19 July, council officers would examine roads in the area and include Fishergate in its Safe Routes to School programme.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Kent Street and Blue Bridge Lane were among the roads that would be looked at.

Blue Bridge Lane's inclusion was in recognition of the riverside being a popular route to get to the school.

Fishergate Primary School would be included in the council's Safe Routes to School programme

The council report added the request for a zebra crossing at the Kent Street-Fawcett Street junction, which was turned down in 2021, could also be reconsidered.

The petition, signed by 184 people, called for the council to look at measures including extending 20mph speed limits near the school, improved crossings, more signs and potential vehicle restrictions.

It said: "There has been an increase in the number of incidents affecting children who walk or cycle to school.

"Parents have also observed an increase in careless and dangerous driving in the area."

Ms Ravilious, whose children attended the school, said she was sympathetic to the concerns.

The transport executive member said: "The new housing development opposite the school is also changing parking and access arrangements on Blue Bridge Lane so we need to be clear it’s still safe for people and children to walk up there."

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