Politics & Council · Swindon
Councillor calls for safety review of Lower Stratton roads after near misses
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A Swindon councillor is urging the local authority to investigate pedestrian safety at two Lower Stratton sites following reports of near misses involving children.
Concerns have been raised regarding pedestrian safety at two locations in Lower Stratton, prompting a local councillor to call for an urgent review by Swindon Borough Council. Councillor Marco Di Pinto has highlighted risks to the public, particularly young children, at sites frequently used by residents and school pupils.
The first area of concern is the signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Hobley Drive, located near the Crown Inn roundabout. This crossing serves as a key route for children walking to and from Grange Infant School. Councillor Di Pinto stated that residents have reported excessive vehicle speeds on the approach to the roundabout. He noted that the crossing is positioned immediately after a blind bend and, unlike the nearby Ermin Street, it lacks traffic calming measures to help manage vehicle speeds.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding potential hazards at the entrance to St Margaret's Pre-School from Kenwin Close. Residents have alerted the councillor to the layout of the footpath, which emerges directly onto the road near a blind bend. Reports suggest there have been instances where young children have managed to run ahead of their carers and step onto the carriageway, creating a significant risk of accident.
Councillor Di Pinto has indicated that these issues, combined with reports of near misses involving traffic entering Hobley Drive from Ermin Street, have led him to request a formal investigation from the council. He is seeking a safety assessment of both sites to determine whether additional measures, such as enhanced signage or physical traffic calming, are required to protect residents and local schoolchildren.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original