Wimborne road safety petition backed by local MP after several near-misses
Mid Dorset MP Vikki Slade is backing a Wimborne mum’s petition to make a busy route safer for pedestrians
A Wimborne mum’s campaign for a safer pedestrian crossing near a busy Dorset road has gained the backing of local MP Vikki Slade after attracting hundreds of signatures.
The petition, launched by resident Rosanna Dean, calls for a zebra crossing and pedestrian refuge on Wimborne Road near Knobcrook Bridge and the BP garage following concerns over traffic levels and pedestrian safety.
More than 570 people have already signed the petition, which was started after Ms Dean experienced a near-miss with a vehicle while collecting her child from school.
She said: “This road has become significantly busier and with additional housing developments, pressures on infrastructure have increased significantly.
“With more people walking and cycling – particularly to River House Nursery, Wimborne First, Allenbourn Middle and Queen Elizabeth Secondary School – this road badly needs a safe crossing point before someone is seriously hurt.”
Residents backing the campaign say the stretch of road has become increasingly dangerous because of traffic speed, volume and poor visibility, particularly for children and older pedestrians trying to cross.
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade has now pledged her support for the campaign and said she intends to present the petition in Parliament.
She said: “I am fully supportive of any measures that can be put in place to increase pedestrian safety.
“I have been working with local residents to progress works to introduce a pedestrian phase at the Stone Lane traffic lights to improve safety from the town side and I am pleased that this is due to take place over the summer holidays.
“However, I recognise that safe passage on the Cranborne Road side by the dentist is challenging and that there is a desire to cross by the petrol station to access the GP surgery and also the Middle School. This is particularly difficult for children and older residents.”
Ms Slade added: “I hope that this petition helps to secure vital safety measures, and I fully support that effort.
“I intend to present the petition in Parliament in the coming weeks and will use any other avenue available to me as MP to ensure that the strength of community feeling is heard loudly and clearly.”