Banwell school run crossing risking kids' lives, say parents

A petition for a flashing school sign in addition to the zebra crossing was signed by 195 parents

The lives of children in a village are at "serious risk" at a road crossing on their way to school, parents have said.

They are calling on North Somerset Council to do something about the crossing on West Street in Banwell.

The council said that due to national health and safety guidance they could not introduce a crossing patrol.

Mum-of-three Rebecca Robinson said: "It is an absolute miracle a child has not been killed."

Mrs Robinson has managed to get 195 people to sign a petition calling for a flashing school sign to be installed on the approach to Banwell Primary School.

The council said that national health and safety guidance prevented them from introducing a crossing patrol

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Robinson addressed a council meeting on 14 November.

She said: "There is a real and serious risk to the lives of children every day getting to and from school.

"The current speed limit outside the school is 30mph. A child hit at 30mph only stands a 50% chance of survival.

"In Banwell, it is normal to be clipped by vehicles and almost run over on the zebra crossing while doing a school run, and that is fundamentally and morally wrong."

Two major A-roads funnel traffic into Banwell's small village lanes, leading to heavy congestion as drivers queue to get through "the narrows" — what locals call the road as it becomes a single lane.

The village streets narrow into a single-lane choke point dubbed "the narrows"

Hannah Young, North Somerset Council's executive member for highways and transport said: "We don't have school patrol wardens any more for health and safety reasons.

"I know that sounds ridiculous given that we are now letting children cross the road, but it is something that doesn't come directly from the council but comes from national health and safety guidance and our workplace liabilities."

A bypass is planned around the village to tackle the traffic congestion.

Subject to the decision of the public inquiry into the compulsory purchase orders needed for the road - which is expected before Christmas - it is hoped the £89m bypass will open by May 2026.

Ms Young added: "There will be further improvements to walking and cycling routes when the Banwell Bypass is delivered."

She confirmed the council is now looking at installing a flashing school sign, but this would need to go through the planning process.