“Unless you can run you can’t cross” Mums' safety campaign prompts council action on "dangerous road"
Portsmouth City Council is pressing ahead with plans for a new crossing on Portdown Hill Road after local mums raised safety concerns.
Councillors unanimously approved a motion to begin work on improving pedestrian safety on Portsdown Hill Road, near the junction with Farlington Avenue where the bus stops are located.
Stacey Edmonds, who lives in Drayton, told councillors that the absence of a crossing near the bus stops makes the area unsafe for pedestrians, many of whom are school pupils.
She and fellow local mum Kate Farley launched a petition on change.org which has attracted more than 800 signatures online, with hundreds more added on paper.
She said residents often avoid crossing the road, including elderly people and those with disabilities. One resident said that “unless you can run you can’t cross”.
She pointed to the council’s transport plan, which encourages the use of public transport, adding “but we’re not providing safety to be able to do those things”.
She added that some parents want their children to travel to school independently but told her “I can’t because I can’t trust that they won’t die”.
Councillor Simon Bosher, leader of the Conservative group, submitted the motion with Councillor Spencer Gardner, also a Drayton and Farlington ward member.
Councillor Bosher highlighted concerns from police and crime commissioner Donna Jones, who has said the road is among the top five most dangerous in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with 61 accidents and four fatalities in the past five years.
He also noted worries about school pupils crossing during busy periods and elderly residents having to ask neighbours to drive them to the opposite side of the road.
Councillor Spencer Gardner said the motion reflects a “powerful mandate” from ward residents for pedestrian safety, a safe crossing and speed enforcement.
Transport Cabinet member Councillor Peter Candlish said the transport department has recognised the need for a crossing following feedback from residents and feasibility studies.
He confirmed that proposals are being prepared and that he will “address this as soon as possible”, acknowledging that the process is lengthy due to legal requirements, mandatory public consultations and the need to secure funding.