'LIVES AT RISK' FEARS WITH NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

IT is only a matter of time before someone is knocked down at an 'extremely dangerous' new pedestrian crossing on the Warren Road section of the A27 if things don't change, says a local resident.

Katy Watt, from Alford Close walks three children to Vale First and Middle School several times a week and has had near misses at the crossing, along with other mums walking their children to school.

Katy, who is part of the Safer Routes to School campaign, says the group, along with Findon Valley Residents' Association, believe the crossing, on the eastbound side of the Offington roundabout, is extremely dangerous.

She said: "The 40 mph speed limit on that road is still too high for the traffic to be able to react to the changing of the lights."

Mrs Watt said the crossing was only about 20 metres from the roundabout.

"Cars come off the roundabout at speed straight on to a pedestrian crossing they are not expecting. They are almost on top of the pedestrian crossing by the time they see it." She added: "The crossing is a good thing but the drivers are not paying attention."

She said: "Most of the residents who live on the Warren Road section are absolutely aghast and basically placing bets as to when the first person is knocked over."

She said that children expect the crossing to be safe and watched the lights, waiting for the green man '“ but had to be aware they cannot safely walk out when the crossing lights are green.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette July 4