Residents' bid to improve road safety in Chapel Allerton

Mum-of-two Liz Grogan, 35, set up the petition on change.org calling for the crossing on Gledhow Valley Road and within four days it had attracted over 200 signatures.

She says she was moved to do something over fears an accident may happen in the future, due to the speed of motorists on the road and young children crossing to get to schools, the park or into Chapel Allerton.

Liz said: “Even though there are raised bumps, people will still go faster than the speed limit. Some people are kind and stop to allow you to cross but even that is still not teaching good road sense for children.

I find it really worrying that people do speed along that road.

“Sometimes it can take quite a while to get across, particularly at 3.30pm and even on a morning, on the way to school.”

She added: “I would hope that they consider putting road safety like a zebra crossing in sooner rather than waiting for a serious accident to happen - which feels like something that might be likely.

“I think it makes sense.”

Her bid has been backed by local councillor Jane Dowson (Lab, Chapel Allerton). She said: “this is an ideal position on Gledhow Valley Road for a crossing as it is the link between the housing in Moortown on the Lincombe, Chandos and Gledhow Woods and the facilities in Chapel Allerton. In particular children cross the road at this location to get to the play area which is more popular than ever since we introduced some lovely play equipment for older children as well as the primary play area.

“It also is the route to school for children from Chapel Allerton to get to school in Moortown and visa versa.

“The traffic is quite heavy here and the speed of cars is a constant cause of concern at this location so a crossing is badly needed.”

She added she is arranging for highways officers to attend the next PACT meeting on December 6 at the Methodist Hall in Chapel Allerton at 7pm.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “Leeds City Council welcome the request for the introduction of a zebra crossing on Gledhow Valley Road.

“As with all requests of this nature, council officers will shortly carry out a full assessment to determine the priority and need for installing a crossing at this location.

“These assessments involve examining a range of factors including: road and traffic characteristics, the layout, site constraints, pedestrian demand, road safety record and many other aspects.

“Due to the number of requests the council receives, sites determined to have the greatest need will always be prioritised for completion.”

View the petition here.