Two new zebra crossings have been installed on Springfield Road in Ulverston,
Westmorland and Furness Council took the action in response to requests from ward councillors, Ulverston Town Council, schools, and the wider community.
Springfield Road serves Ulverston Victoria High School, St Mary's Catholic Primary School and Sandside Lodge School, all located close together. An independent engineering safety study identified a lack of safe crossing points along the route, highlighting the need for improved pedestrian facilities.
The scheme includes a zebra crossing near St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and a second zebra crossing just north of the junction to Springfield Park Road, as well as some adjustments to existing parking and ‘no waiting’ restrictions adjacent to the crossing points.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "We listened to what the community told us about the need for better arrangements on Springfield Road. It has three schools and can get very busy with vehicles and pedestrians. These two new crossings will make journeys to school much safer and is a great example of Westmorland and Furness Council working with a community to make an improvement which will benefit many people."
Consultation on the scheme earlier in the year received nine representations in support, including Councillor Helen Irving and the council's Active Travel Team, which said the area was a key corridor for Active Travel in Ulverston and this was identified in the town's cycling and walking plan. Four other conditional responses were received in support and there were three objections, mainly related to the concerns regarding parking being further displaced to Lyndhurst Road. The scheme also received cross-party support from ward councillors and the town council.