A petition has been launched calling for a pedestrian crossing on Portsdown Hill Road near Farlington Avenue bus stops, where students from Purbrook Park and Oaklands schools face daily dangers crossing the busy road to catch buses.
Every morning, children must run across Portsdown Hill Road to reach the bus stop near the top of Farlington Avenue. Without a dedicated pedestrian crossing, pupils travelling to both schools are forced to dash across traffic, hoping to avoid oncoming vehicles.
Parents crossing with young children and pushchairs face particular difficulties. Witnesses have reported children nearly stumbling and pushchairs almost tipping over as families hurry across the road. The situation creates stress and serious safety concerns for everyone using this busy route.
Pedestrian accidents remain a major concern on roads lacking proper crossing facilities. Statistics show young pedestrians face disproportionately higher accident rates in areas without safe crossings. A crossing near these bus stops would dramatically improve safety and provide peace of mind for road users.
The petition organiser describes the crossing as “not just a want, but a need” for community safety and wellbeing. With local government cooperation and citizen support, campaigners believe the change can be achieved.
Portsmouth City Council has stated it will monitor the area to determine whether a crossing is warranted and assess bus stop usage. However, the petition organiser fears the council will not see the true picture, as people currently avoid the area due to safety concerns.
Petition organiser Stacey hopes to demonstrate to the council’s transport department that the community wants to see improved safety measures for this crossing and road.
The campaign seeks support from residents to sign the petition and help create a safer environment for young people and families. Organisers say signatures can make a real difference in preventing potential accidents and ensuring children’s safety through this small but significant infrastructure improvement.
You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/install-a-crossing-on-portsdown-hill-road-for-community-safety
