Lynne Featherstone

Lib Dem Leader and Highgate councillor Neil Williams has welcomed agreement by Haringey Council to look at ways of improving pedestrian safety on two dangerous roads in Highgate.

Cllr Williams was speaking after meeting council officers and concerned parents at Hampstead Lane near Highgate Junior school last week, where safety improvements for pupils crossing the road are sorely needed. However, he also expressed concern over the safety of the zebra crossing on nearby North Hill, where there was another extremely serious accident before Christmas.

Council officials agreed to improve signage on the Bishopswood Road traffic calming scheme, and to explore with the school the possibility of a school crossing patrol on Hampstead Lane. On the question of the dangerous North Hill zebra crossing, the Council said they would look into possible safety measures, which could include the introduction of a raised crossing on the site, where speeding drivers are a major problem.

Cllr Williams comments:

“I am pleased that these safety measures are being considered, as we urgently need to improve the safety of these crossings in Highgate. The North Hill zebra crossing, in particular is very unsafe, and we cannot wait for another accident to happen.While small changes were carried out in recent months through extending the zigzags, the accident at Christmas shows that these changes were in no way adequate. Action needs to be taken, either through a raised crossing or a pelican crossing to improve safety before the next serious accident occurs.”