Action at crossing after car hits boy
9:17am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News
ACTION is to be taken to improve a pedestrian crossing after a little boy was hit by a car while using it to get home.
Illuminated signs are to be erected, warning motorists they are approaching the crossing in Newbrook Road, Over Hulton, after Tobias Coe, aged five, was injured.
He was returning from church with his family on January 15 and was half-way across when the accident happened.
Police officers staged an operation cracking down on motorists who “jump” red lights after the incident.
Tobias was not seriously hurt and his mother, Penelope Coe, a primary school teacher, called for measures to improve safety at the crossing, which is near to Crescent Avenue and just after the Four Lane Ends junction.
Residents say there have been near misses — including when they have been accompanied by crossing patrols — as some drivers brake at the last minute or go through on red.
Local councillor Andy Morgan supported the call and now the local area forum has stepped in to increase safety.
Cllr Morgan said: “The area forum has agreed to fund signs warning motorists they are approaching a pedestrian crossing.”
The signs would cost between £1,500 and £2,000 and would be positioned between 50 metres to 100 metres in advance of the crossing from both directions PCSO Steven Best said: “This is partnership working at its best. Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Police are working together to ensure the safety of its residents and focusing on the problems that directly affect them.
“The new illuminated signs will enhance the ability for the crossing officers to perform their duties in a safe fashion, as well as greatly helping the police in enforcing any traffic violations on Newbrook Road.”
Bolton Council says there are no plans to introduce traffic calming measures on the road following a review undertaken by the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction partnership
