Petition launched for pedestrian crossing at York school

A parent with children at Ralph Butterfield Primary School, in Station Road, Haxby, started an online petition after she said she had become “deeply concerned” for the safety of her children and others at the school.

She was joined by local parents in calling for a well-marked and signed pedestrian, along with traffic calming measures near the school entrance.

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The petition statement read: “Every day, as we approach the school gates, what should be a safe zone turns into a hazard zone.

“The absence of a safe crossing not only endangers the lives of the students but also causes significant stress to parents, guardians, and school staff.

“We need immediate action to ensure that our children can arrive and leave school safely.”

A spokesperson for the school said that it welcomed measures that help improve pedestrian safety in Station Road – particularly during key drop-off and pick-up times.

They added: “Ensuring the wellbeing of our children, families and wider community is extremely important to us and we are supportive of actions that contribute to a safer environment around our school.”

The petition had been signed by 367 people at the time of publication.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council, said that the council shared the concerns raised by pupils and their families to create safer streets.

‘Subject to approval at this meeting, the works at Ralph Butterfield will take place before the end of the school year.’

She said: “Late last year we held a statutory consultation in Haxby towards installing new single yellow lines (enforceable during school drop-off and pick-up times) near Ralph Butterfield school to reduce parking immediately outside the school gates and at neighbouring junctions.

“This proposal is now one of 43 similar projects across York progressing to executive on April 28.

“Subject to approval at this meeting, the works at Ralph Butterfield will take place before the end of the school year.”

Members of the community, the petition read, had suggested chicanes, railings and zebra crossings.

The statement added: “Local residents also expressed that bay parking or drive installation to the residents opposite school would help with the flow of traffic.”

The council explained that in addition to the road plans, the authority had recently recruited a new crossing patroller for the school – who will begin their role in late June.

Cllr Ravilious said: “We welcome a continued discussion with both residents and the school community to build on these improvements and create an environment where everyone feels safe and supported when choosing to walk, wheel or cycle to school.”