Call for New Crossing Point on Busy Belfast Road to Improve Children’s Safety
Residents and local authorities in South Belfast are calling for the establishment of a new crossing point on Sunnyside Street, a busy road close to Holy Rosary Primary School. The demand comes after funding for a lollipop person, who helps children safely cross the road, was removed from the budget.
SDLP South Belfast MP Claire Hanna and councillor Gary McKeown have been actively campaigning for a crossing point on Sunnyside Street for some time. They argue that such a measure would greatly enhance the safety of children and local residents who frequently travel on this road.
Councillor McKeown highlighted the high footfall on Sunnyside Street, particularly during rush hour when children and families are going to and from school. He expressed concern about the absence of a designated crossing, which puts pedestrians, especially young children, at risk. He further emphasized that the risks have increased with the removal of funding for a lollipop person at the primary school.
McKeown reiterated the urgent need for a crossing, stating, I have real concern that kids’ lives are at risk. Sunnyside Street is a very busy road in the middle of a residential area and yet there is not one crossing for the entire length of it. He went on to express disappointment in the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for not taking into account the high walking and cycling rates to Holy Rosary Primary School and the lack of any safe way to cross the road.
The recent reports of a near-miss incident involving a child attempting to cross the road further highlighted the existing dangers faced by pedestrians. Councillor McKeown revealed that a car had to skid to avoid hitting the child. This incident, along with the absence of a funded lollipop person, has elevated the situation to a crisis point, with a very real risk of serious injury or even death.
Claire Hanna MP echoed these concerns, stating, Sunnyside Street is a really busy route. This, along with local businesses and a lot of pavement parking, makes it a genuinely hazardous spot. She emphasized that the removal of a school patrol has placed a burden on young children and lamented the negative impact of the political stalemate on the safety of children who bear the brunt of these consequences.
Green Party councillor Aine Groogan expressed her own concern for the safety of the children at Holy Rosary Primary School. She criticized the decision by the Education Authority to prevent the replacement of the school crossing patrol attendant. Groogan reached out to the Education Authority and called on them to reassess their position, prioritizing the safety and welfare of the over 500 nursery and primary school-aged children.
The Department for Infrastructure has acknowledged the demand for a crossing at Sunnyside Street but stated that it ranks low on their prioritized list of potential sites. Limited budgets contribute to the difficulty in delivering pedestrian crossings promptly.
Despite facing financial challenges, the Education Authority emphasized that their School Crossing Patrol officers continue to support over 350 schools across Northern Ireland. However, due to the current budget constraints, recruitment for temporary and permanent SCP officers remains on hold.
The South Belfast community urges the Department for Infrastructure and the Education Authority to take immediate action to address this safety issue. The absence of a crossing point and the removal of the lollipop person have created a hazardous environment for children and pedestrians. The local representatives and concerned citizens are calling for increased investment and a reassessment of priorities to ensure the safety and well-being of those who travel along Sunnyside Street.
