Our children are at risk, and it’s time to act—now. A simple school crossing in Derby has become a daily battleground for parents and students, thanks to reckless drivers and a system that seems to prioritize paperwork over safety. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Derby City Council acknowledges the issue, their response feels like a slow-motion solution to a high-speed problem. Let’s dive into why this crossing on Blenheim Drive in Allestree has parents up in arms and what’s really at stake.
Imagine sending your child to school, only to worry every day if they’ll make it across the street safely. That’s the reality for hundreds of families near Portway Infant School and Portway Junior School. The zebra crossing, meant to be a safe passage, has turned into a danger zone. Parents like Dominika Walker describe it as an “exceptionally busy and dangerous” spot, with near-misses involving young children and speeding cars becoming all too common. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the crossing itself—it’s the distracted drivers, the inconsiderate parking, and the growing number of families walking to school that amplify the risk.
Headteacher Lisa McSherry isn’t mincing words: “Absolutely, children are in danger,” she says. Parents are reporting drivers ignoring the crossing, cars speeding through without checking for pedestrians, and a general lack of awareness. One parent, Reetika Saluja, shared her fear: “Whenever I come here, there’s a bit of scare. Traffic is coming from all over the place. We have to be super careful.” It’s a sentiment echoed by over 700 people who’ve signed a petition demanding immediate action—specifically, the return of a lollipop person to oversee the crossing.
But here’s the catch: While the council admits the crossing meets the criteria for an upgrade and has included it in the Allestree Neighbourhood Plan, there’s no clear timeline for action. Worse, they haven’t confirmed whether a school patrol officer will be assigned. Councillor Ged Potter sums it up bluntly: “Something needs to be done now. It needs resolving before someone gets hurt.”
And this is where it gets even more contentious: The council’s statement emphasizes that school crossing patrols are prioritized for areas without formal pedestrian crossings. Fair enough—but does that mean children at this zebra crossing are somehow less deserving of protection? Or is this a case of bureaucratic red tape slowing down a life-saving decision? Shouldn’t the safety of our youngest citizens be an urgent, non-negotiable priority?
Here’s the bigger picture: As more families choose walking to school for health and environmental reasons—something the council itself promotes—the risks at this junction are only growing. It’s a Catch-22: encourage healthy habits, but fail to provide the infrastructure to support them safely. Is this a failure of planning, or a reflection of deeper priorities?
What do you think? Should the council fast-track this upgrade and assign a lollipop person immediately, or is their current approach reasonable? Are we asking too much, or not enough, when it comes to protecting our children? Let’s spark a conversation—because this isn’t just about a crossing; it’s about the value we place on safety, community, and the future of our kids. Share your thoughts below, and let’s make sure this issue doesn’t fade into the background until it’s too late.
