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Mum backs renewed road safety campaign in Aylesford

Claire Reade with daughter Milly and Jane Waring
Claire Reade with daughter Milly and Jane Waring

A mother whose daughter was hit by a car is backing a renewed campaign for pedestrian crossings in Aylesford.

Just a week before 10-year-old Milly Reade’s accident in Station Road, Aylesford, her mother, Claire, had signed a petition calling for more traffic-controlled crossings along the road.

In October, petitions co-ordinated by Aylesford Primary School and and St Peter’s Primary School were presented to Kent County Council, asking for a crossing near Aylesford railway station and one near the Ferryfield play area.

Campaigners say the road is too busy to cross and that high numbers of school pupils crossing the road near the station to get to and from schools are particularly in danger.

KCC has built a pedestrian island in the road near the station, but campaigners want crossings which stop the traffic. Two weeks ago further petitions were started by all schools in Aylesford.

Mrs Reade, of Robson Drive, Aylesford, said her daughter, who was with older children ,had already crossed the road safely, but on the way back misjudged and hit the bonnet of the car.

She said no blame could be attached to the driver, who was within the speed limit and stayed with Milly after the accident.

Mrs Reade said: “After a night at Maidstone Hospital, she was back home but bruised. She was very lucky. I hope it doesn’t take a fatality before something is done.”

Jane Waring, Aylesford Primary School’s family liaison officer, who co-ordinates the campaign, said: “The road is such a rat run. But the other issue is that the schools want to run walking buses, but we cannot as the road is too dangerous.”

A spokesman for KCC Highways said a request to place a pelican crossing near Hall Road, had been included on a priority list of schemes this year, or early 2010.

• A road safety event for pupils aged 10 and 11 is being held at Aylesford Primary School on Tuesday, March, 10, featuring advice from police officers and PCSOs.

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