Concerns are mounting in Gloucester over the safety of children walking to and from Calton Primary School, as reports emerge of pupils being hit by cars on Tuffley Avenue. Parents, school staff, and local politicians are now urging the installation of a designated pedestrian crossing to protect students and ease confusion among drivers.
Currently, a raised table near the junction of Tuffley Avenue and Calton Road serves as a pedestrian crossing point. However, many find it unclear whether this is a formal crossing, leading to frequent near misses and uncertainty for both motorists and children. Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre highlighted that the lack of clarity has resulted in dangerous situations.
At Calton Primary, the issue has deeply concerned students. The school’s pupil parliament, the Calton Cabinet, conducted surveys revealing that many children feel unsafe on their journeys to school. In April, a pupil was struck by a reversing vehicle on Tuffley Avenue and required hospital treatment, though thankfully without serious injury. Similarly, a young girl was hit by a car while playing near a house a few months earlier.
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These incidents have heightened fears among parents and the local community. MP McIntyre, alongside school representatives including pupil Polly Porter, has formally petitioned Gloucestershire County Council to install a clearly marked pedestrian crossing, ideally positioned just past Calton Road. This location could also benefit students attending nearby Ribston Hall High School.
Despite these pleas, initial feedback from Shire Hall suggests the council will not prioritize such a crossing due to the absence of fatal accidents on Tuffley Avenue. McIntyre strongly disagrees with this stance, emphasizing the importance of preventing harm before tragedy strikes. He stated, “It is unacceptable that children feel so unsafe walking to and from school and that children in this area have actually been physically harmed by cars without action being taken.”
Calton Primary School commended its pupil parliament for their active civic engagement. A spokesperson said, “They have worked tirelessly through surveys and community outreach to highlight a critical safety concern. Their determination shows that democracy is not just a classroom subject but a powerful tool for change.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Whyborn, responsible for road safety, acknowledged residents’ concerns and confirmed that a road safety scheme will be implemented on Tuffley Avenue in August and September 2026. The plan includes replacing existing chicanes with speed cushions, introducing a 20mph speed limit, and adding further traffic calming measures. However, the raised crossing platform will remain in place as it is heavily used during school hours and meets Department for Transport guidance.
Whyborn explained, “While we understand some want changes to the crossing, assessments show no evidence warrants its removal or replacement. Most safety concerns relate to vehicle speeds elsewhere on Tuffley Avenue, which the new measures aim to address.”
With children’s safety at stake, local leaders and families continue to press for clearer, more effective protections to keep school routes safe and secure.