Surrey School’s Traffic Light Request Rejected Despite Safety Concerns

A proposal to install traffic lights outside a Surrey infant school, initiated after parents reported numerous near misses, has been denied. A petition advocating for the replacement of a zebra crossing located outside West Byfleet Infant and Junior Schools had gathered 127 signatures, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Celia Ford, who launched the campaign after her son was reportedly almost struck by a van on Camphill Road in July, conveyed at a council meeting: “I will forever have [it] etched in my memory, the moment my child was so close to such a horrific end.” Surrey County Council stated that traffic lights were not considered the optimal solution, instead recommending LED lighting at the crossing along with a reduction in the speed limit. Ms Ford recounted at the Surrey County Council Highways, Transport and Economic Growth meeting how she screamed as a black van nearly collided with her son. She remarked: “I dread to think what would have happened if I had not screamed.” The council also confirmed that the faded zebra crossing has been repainted and a malfunctioning beacon light repaired, following a visit to the site by police and other officers. Duncan Knox, the road safety and sustainable school travel manager, advised schools to implement road safety training to ensure students are proficient in using the crossing correctly. Mr Knox further stated that he would recommend decreasing the speed limit on Camphill Road from 30mph to 20mph within the upcoming road safety report.