Crossing at special needs school could take years

The school wants a zebra crossing to be installed, as well as better road signage and markings

Children at a special needs school in Surrey could be left waiting years for a street crossing, staff and parents have been told.

Clifton Hill School, on Chaldon Road in Caterham, is a secondary school for 11-19 year olds with severe and complex learning difficulties and special needs.

Rachael Forkan, a parent from the school's parent-teacher association, said she was "not thrilled" to hear the signal crossing was "part of a long-term plan for improving the school's road safety".

Surrey County Council (SCC) said in the interim it is "looking into rectifying shorter-term issues such as improving line painting and signage".

Students at the school demanded action last May after telling councillors they felt scared crossing the road outside the building because there was no safe crossing.

Pupils are encouraged to use the cafe in the church opposite as part of their independent living skills, but there were claims people "drive like maniacs" or honk at them if they take too long crossing.

Short-term measures being considered include lowering a school warning sign so drivers can see it at car-level, getting the greenery cut back so drivers can see the signs, and installing a dropped kerb for wheel-chair users, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service.

An SCC spokesperson said: "We will keep the school and parents updated on this as we progress.

"We'll continue to do all we can to keep our roads safe."

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