A new crossing for schoolchildren has been given the green light after a five-year-old started a petition calling for action. Countless residents, a headteacher and children had branded the road a "nightmare" due to speeding drivers.
The petition was launched by five-year-old Minnie Willis-Crowther, of Westdale Junior School, to introduce a zebra crossing to Digby Avenue in Mapperley. It was then signed by hundreds of people, prompting the action of councillors and Gedling's MP.
According to traffic surveys up to 1,600 vehicles drive along the street every day, and 20% drive at speeds above the 30mph speed limit. Paul Willis-Crowther, Minnie's father who works as a project director, says this equates to roughly 320 cars.
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"That’s 320 cars speeding down here every day, and they think that’s acceptable," he said.
The petition was submitted to Nottinghamshire County Council on November 25 last year. It triggered a traffic review.
The Conservative-led council published its response in August this year confirming action will be taken. Council documents say: "A zebra crossing at this location is added to the 2022/23 integrated transport programme for delivery (subject to the necessary consultation, statutory undertakings and other issues arising from feasibility studies, detailed scheme investigation, and design; and value for money considerations)"
Speaking of the victory, Mr Willis-Crowther added: "It is fantastic news.
"As a result of Minnie’s petition, where she collected over 850 signatures, to have a raised zebra crossing installed on Digby Avenue, Nottinghamshire County Council have agreed to install a crossing during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. It is a credit to Minnie’s determination and community spirit."
Tom Randall, Gedling's Conservative MP, added: "There was a strong response on the doorstep to the idea of a crossing. Many residents were concerned at the busy traffic, particularly at peak times.
"I am pleased the county council has acted upon this and I hope that this crossing will help all local residents, from children going to school to walkers off to Digby Park.”
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