One of the major congestion points in Whitchurch is the junction of Micheldever Road and Winchester Road at school times. Each morning and evening the problems caused by the school run are exacerbated by the arrival and departure of the School Buses for Testbourne – but a solution is close at hand.
As part of the new development of Mill Springs off Winchester Road, David Wilson Homes aare building a new Bus Bay/Drop-off point which, when operational, will provide a safe and purpose built alternative for the Testbourne buses.
No longer will the School Buses have to mount pavements, squeeze past other drivers and cause danger in Micheldever Road to school children walking, other pedestrians and drivers.
The day cannot come soon enough when the new bus bay which will link to a new safe path into school is opened.
And not only that...
... with the current bus bay at the front of Testbourne being made almost redundant, wouldn't that make a convenient and spacious drop off point for Walking Buses for the Primary School. Park and Stride anyone?
Those who arranged this excellent facility and the wider opportunities it gives are to be very much commended.
Now we just need it implemented.
WINS ALL AROUND
Sometimes mainstream sometimes at a tangent – living in Whitchurch, Hampshire
Sunday 16 September 2018
Tuesday 4 September 2018
One child casualty is not enough for action say County
Pressure on local roads
The school run has always been a contentious issue but it has become more so in recent years as school numbers grow and traffic increases. With the Primary School and Testbourne both back this week, the pressure on the local roads increases as children make their way to and from their places of education.
Child injured in collision
Both schools are in a residential area which also includes the town's largest play area as well as access to the Skatepark and BMX track. It is a place where children are expected yet during the summer a young child was in collision with a vehicle and hospitalised, with the report being it was an "unfortunate incident".
Concerns, worries and anger – and no action
Despite these local fears, this week Hampshire County Council said – “sites that have treatable patterns of casualty incidents are being prioritised above other locations.” and, regarding Alliston Way, “... on this basis, further study is unlikely at this stage.”
They cite cuts for this approach.
It is unacceptable.
One child casualty is not enough
A young lad was injured. How many casualties are needed? Is not one too many?
Such a response ignores the harm of near misses, the close shaves and the worry and fear over personal safety that is generated. How do HCC decide how many casualties are required to make their "pattern" and what is that number?
Will they tell us their figure for Alliston Way?
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| Please don't drive on the pavements. |
Taking responsibility – we can all help
Meanwhile if driving in Alliston Way please look out for children. A child can be unpredictable and can make mistakes; that's what they do when they are learning and growing up. They are the responsibility of us all and children should not be punished by injury or worse because they may make a mistake. This is a residential area where people live, play and go about their normal lives and they expect to do so in safety. Please don't let there be another casualty.
And please don't drive on pavements, park on bends or ignore the 20mph speed limit. The rules are there for a purpose.
But will they listen?
While we all take our own responsibility we must also keep up the pressure on Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke & Deane to take some tangible action to make the area safer for all. Its what we pay for and expect.
They also need to take responsibility or more children will suffer, but will they listen?
Related article:
A HORRIFIC 20-MINUTES OF SCHOOL RUN
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