Transport for London take action on A316 where schoolboy injured last month
Transport for London is to relocate the bus-stop at which a Chiswick School student was seriously injured last month.
Local MP Mary Macleod said today (Nov 14) that the bus stop on the A316 would be repositioned and safety alterations made.
Mary said; "Transport for London has come to the conclusion that it is appropriate to relocate the bus stop slightly further south so that it is not directly next to a tree, and reposition it at the back of the footway along the fence line with the adjacent property.
"This repositioning will improve the visibility of oncoming traffic for passengers waiting at the bus stop without them having to get too close to the kerb. It will also encourage passengers to wait at the rear of the footway where they are further away from passing traffic.
The MP for Brentford and Isleworth, along with the Chiswick school authorites, had called for a review of safety after 14-year old Christopher Pritchard received head injuries when hit by a vehicle while waiting at the bus stop after school on October 11. The driver of the vehicle was subsequently arrested and is currently on bail in relation to the incident.
The deputy head of Chiswick School, Mr. James Whiting said; ‘It is brilliant to see TfL removing this clearly dangerous bus stop.‘We would like to express our thanks to them for taking this prompt action and to Mary Macleod MP who immediately wrote to them supporting our case. Christopher is very much on the mend now and we hope he will soon be returning to school.’
It is understood that police enforcement will also be carried out as it was noted that vehicles appeared to be travelling above the 30mph speed limit. The A316 is a busy four-lane road between Chiswick and Richmond. Scores of children get their buses home from school at stops on both sides of the road every afternoon.
Mary, who is MP for Brentford, Chiswick, Isleworth, Osterley and Hounslow, commented: “I am happy to announce the new safety alterations to the bus stop and hope that the repositioning will prevent any future incidents from occurring. I would also like to take this opportunity to send my well wishes to Christopher and his family. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.”
Christopher was released from hospital on Wednesday (Nov 7) having been in a medically induced coma for days following the incident. His mother told ChiswickW4.com; "He still has some more steps to take to full recovery."
She added that she had been "overwhelmed" by the good wishes and support from the public and wanted to thank everyone for their help.
A 47-year old man is on bail after being arrested in East Sheen in connection with the incident. He is due to return to the police station on November 26.
November 15, 2012
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