The council has unveiled plans to improve pedestrian safety on the approaches to two popular primary schools in Earlsfield.
Work is set to begin shortly to install a new zebra crossing outside Beatrix Potter primary school in Magdalen Road close to the junction with Openview.
The new zebra crossing will be constructed on top of an existing ‘raised table’ which is designed to reduce vehicle speeds, improve pedestrian access and deter illegal parking.
Raised tables increase visibility for both pedestrians and drivers and also provide step free crossing points for parents with buggies and wheelchair users.
Changes will also be made to the layout of an existing zebra crossing near Tranmere Road, which is well used by parents and children at Earlsfield School. The changes would improve sight lines for drivers and cyclists as they approach the crossing.
The upgrades, which will cost around £22,000 are being made following requests from residents in both Wandsworth Common and Earlsfield wards who want safer crossing facilities for pedestrians in Magdalen Road.
The changes have also been discussed with senior officials at Transport for London, who have been consulted because Magdalen Road forms part of TfL’s Quietway 4 – which aims to give cyclists a quieter and safer journey between Clapham Common and Wimbledon.
To further enhance road safety across Wandsworth, a borough-wide 20mph was introduced in all quieter residential streets last summer.
Transport spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “These measures are designed to make it safer for the children and parents who attend these two primary schools, especially as many walk to and from school each day. Local residents and cyclists will also benefit too from better road safety and slower vehicle speeds in this neighbourhood.”
