Derek Deedman

The survey, carried out by the County Council, gave a result of only 12.4% of the national criteria, similar to the previous survey, despite increasing traffic on the road.

In the School Crossing Patrol Officer’s view, the physical layout of two junctions and vehicles going and coming from all directions, coupled with narrow roads and resident’s parking causes the majority of the problems and gridlock from around 0830 to 0840.

The majority of people either cross further along Shooting Field if they live in that direction or across Shooting Field adjacent to Middle Mead if they live there. They tend to cross in between stationary vehicles most of the time. Whilst not immediately dangerous there is potential for a real problem to occur.

The Officer considered that even if a School Crossing Patrol (SCP) was funded by a sponsor, such a SCP would find it extremely difficult to control the gridlock situation and make it safer for children to cross.

It has been suggested that, as a temporary measure, pending the introduction of a 20 mph zone outside the School (which is now likely to be ranked as a high priority), a keep clear area could be set up on Shooting Field adjacent to the school side of Middle Mead. This would have the advantage of creating an artificial gap in the traffic during the busiest times when vehicles are largely at a standstill in any event. The local Highways Office has been requested to consider this suggestion.