Bold warning: children’s safety at a busy Derby crossing is under real threat, and parents want action now.
Portway Infant School’s headteacher, Lisa McSherry, is urging Derby City Council to intervene urgently so pupils can cross Blenheim Drive in Allestree safely. Hundreds of parents are calling for a dedicated lollipop person to help at the zebra crossing, arguing the crossing is simply too hazardous for youngsters during peak school times.
Drivers reportedly ignore the designated crossing, leading to near-misses and stress for families. Compounding the risk are frequent instances of inconsiderate parking around the area, which makes crossing even more challenging when the street is busiest.
The council has acknowledged the concerns and announced that the crossing already meets the criteria for an upgrade, initiating a review process. However, they have not confirmed whether a school patrol officer will be assigned to the location. The crossing is a key route for pupils attending both Portway Infant School and Portway Junior School during morning and afternoon school runs.
A petition urging the council to recruit new lollipop patrols has gained support from more than 700 people.
Headteacher McSherry told reporters she frequently receives upset feedback from worried parents, stating that there have been near-misses and a lack of driver awareness at the crossing. A parent and petition organizer, Dominika Walker, described the junction as exceptionally busy and dangerous, noting ongoing near-misses involving fast-moving traffic. She argued that action should not have to wait for a serious accident to occur.
Another parent, Reetika Saluja, shared ongoing fear when taking her five-year-old to school, describing traffic coming from all directions and emphasizing the need for a mitigation measure to ease worries.
In response, Derby City Council affirmed that child safety is a top priority and that while some school crossings are prioritized where there is no formal crossing, they recognize concerns about the Blenheim Drive zebra crossing. The council noted that the crossing has been assessed and meets criteria for an upgrade and is included in the Allestree Neighbourhood Plan. Proposals have been submitted to ward councillors and neighbourhood officers, and feedback is pending.
Allestree councillor Ged Potter emphasized the urgency, stating that upgrades were planned within a 12-month consultation but immediate action is needed to prevent harm. He recalled warning that resolution was necessary to prevent injury, underscoring the continued strong community pressure.
With more families choosing to walk for health and well-being, the number of pedestrians at this junction is rising, which in turn heightens risk. The debate now centers on whether a temporary patrol presence or a long-term infrastructural fix is the best path forward.
What do you think should come first at busy school crossings like this: a quick patrol presence to safeguard kids now, or a more comprehensive upgrade to modernize the crossing for the long term? Share your views in the comments.
