Upgraded crossing improves safety for Stoke Mandeville pupils

Pupils walking and cycling to Stoke Mandeville Combined School in Aylesbury can now benefit from an even safer journey to school thanks to a new upgrade of the crossing on Lower Road.

Over the summer holidays the existing crossing was upgraded to a parallel or Toucan crossing which allows both pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road safely together. The works were carried out by Buckinghamshire Highways and were funded with money from the HS2 Road Safety Fund. This fund was developed in order to leave a legacy of safer roads for communities impacted by HS2 construction. Numerous other projects have been completed in other locations around the county, helping to improve road safety.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We are delighted to have been able to bring about this improvement for local residents. This scheme was specifically about introducing a range of measures to improve the visibility of the existing crossing, as well as introducing a safe place for cyclists to cross the busy B4443. We know the changes will be much welcomed by everyone in the local community.”

The completion of this crossing is the first of four similar projects at schools around the county.

Steven explained: “The disruption caused by the ongoing HS2 works on our doorstep continues to be a real headache for many local residents but with access to this funding, we are at least able to address a range of road safety concerns that might otherwise not have been possible so we can continue in our efforts to improve road safety for everyone across the county.”

Headteacher of Stoke Mandeville Combined School, Eileen Stewart said: “As a Silver Award Travel Plan School, this new crossing is a welcome addition to our school environment and will improve safety for pupils. It will further encourage our children and their parents to consider sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling or scooting instead of using the car.”