NEARLY 700 people have joined the call for a new crossing on a road used by pupils from two schools and a nursery group.
A petition for a new pedestrian crossing on Pendleton Road, Redhill, close to the junction with Abinger Drive, was launched by concerned mother Pippa Timson in May.
In less than two months, the online version has accumulated 642 signatures and there are 50 more on a hard copy, enough to force a debate on the matter at Surrey County Council, which has been presented with the petitions.
Mrs Timson says she took action as her 10-year-old daughter Daisy will need to cross the busy road, which runs from Redhill to Woodhatch, when she starts at Reigate School in September 2015.
She told the Mirror: "Just next to the junction with Abinger Drive, the pavement stops and you are forced to cross the road.
"But there is no actual crossing and it is so dangerous."
The Abinger Drive resident added: "I know my daughter will want to walk to school herself and the thought of her crossing that road terrifies me.
"The children want independence but at the moment I wouldn't feel safe letting her go alone. It worries me that it will take someone being hit by a car to make something happen and why does it take that?
"Surely this petition will show councillors the strength of feeling in the area."
Along with students at Reigate School, pupils from St John's Primary School and St John's Nursery Group also use the road to get to and from school. But Mrs Timson was surprised when she found other residents – including elderly people – rallied behind her cause as she canvassed support.
The fight was immediately taken up by county councillor Natalie Bramhall and Mrs Timson has subsequently gained the support of Reigate School head teacher Susan Wardlow, who put a letter about the petition on the school's website.
Mrs Wardlow told the Mirror: "There haven't been any incidents in that area which have come to my attention but it will improve safety for children and that is a good thing."
She added: "It is a busy road and occasionally you spot traffic which looks like it is moving faster than it should. It is also a very long stretch of road without a crossing."
The petition will be considered by Surrey County Council's Reigate and Banstead local committee on September 22.
Although it has already been presented to the council, the petition can still be signed online at www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/pendletonroadsafety
