Banner warning drivers to slow down near schools removed from railings

[dutchman]

The banner simply asked people to drive slowly and cross carefully



A banner put up by local residents to try and get drivers to slow down has been removed.

The banner - which also called on people to cross the road carefully - was attached to railings at the junction of Hockley Lane, Upper Eastern Green Lane, Church Lane and Pickford Green Lane.

Concerned local residents clubbed together to get the sign made after saying they feared for the safety of children at two primary schools in the area.

But it was taken down by Coventry City Council workers because, ironically, it could pose a "risk to safety".

A lollipop crossing guard which previously helped children and adults cross the busy road was taken away after council cuts.

One of the residents behind the banner has called for a permanent crossing to be installed after saying he and his grandson are risking their lives crossing the road.

The resident of Eastern Green for 56 years, who wanted to remain anonymous, told CoventryLive: "I take my grandson to one of the junior schools and I went there myself over 50 years ago.

"Nothing has changed and the roads are 100 times busier with lorries and buses, and it is a rat run through there.

"People drive quickly, and there's more cars because they can cut through to A45, which makes it a lot busier.

"We've been trying to do something since the crossings finished.

"The banner was put there for people to be made aware.

"I felt I needed to do something.

"I was only made aware on Tuesday that the banner had been taken down, and was told it was because of health and safety.

"I am persistent about it because it is my grandson I am taking up there.

"We want a more permanent crossing up there.

"A petition has been given to the council, but it could be 12 months before anything is done.

"We are risking our lives."

Coventry City Council confirmed its workers had removed the banner, which has now been placed in storage.

A spokesman said: “The council contacted the school, but was told the banner had been put up independently, without any involvement from St Andrew’s, so council staff removed it and have put it into safe storage.

“Any street posters or adverts need to have permission. In this instance, the banner covers a railing alongside a junction, which restricts visibility for road users and could cause a risk to safety."

[rebbonk]

For once, I agree with the council's actions.