Wootton Ward Cllr John Wheeler is pushing for action to provide safe routes for parents and pupils walking to and from Wootton Lower School.

At the last meeting of Bedford Borough Council a petition signed by over 300 residents was debated on the need to address road safety concerns on Fields Road, the main route currently used to access the school.

The petition followed a meeting arranged by Cllr Wheeler in March bringing together a range of organisations to discuss how to tackle speeding and explore options for alternative walking routes. 

It has now been agreed that Council officers will investigate options to improve safety on Fields Road including the possibility of a pelican crossing with a raised platform.  Discussions will also be held with Persimmon, the developer of new homes in the village, with a view towards establishing another safe walking route via Potter’s Cross.

Cllr Wheeler said:

‘Fields Road is currently not a safe route for parents, guardians and pupils to use when walking to Wootton Lower School each day.  There is a demonstrable speeding problem, particularly around the beginning and end of the school day, with some vehicles recorded travelling at 45mph on a 30mph road.  A number of collisions have also been recorded in recent years.

‘I was pleased to bring together a range of interested parties to discuss how we can secure a safe route to school.  I am now confident that in the months ahead we find a way of putting the brake on speeding vehicles on Fields Road whilst exploring alternative walking routes in the village.’