Concerns have mounted in Gloucester over the safety of children traveling to and from school, following reports of pupils being hit by cars on Tuffley Avenue near Calton Primary School. Parents, school officials, and local representatives are pushing for a designated pedestrian crossing to improve safety and reduce confusion for both pedestrians and drivers.
The current raised table crossing near the junction with Calton Road has caused significant uncertainty, resulting in several near-misses. Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre highlighted that this lack of clarity creates dangerous conditions, with some children feeling unsafe on their daily walks.
The issue has become so pressing that Calton Primary School’s pupil parliament, the Calton Cabinet, conducted surveys and discussions to understand students’ safety concerns. Alarmingly, a pupil was struck by a reversing vehicle on Tuffley Avenue during an MP visit in April. Fortunately, the child was unharmed physically after receiving hospital care. A separate incident involved a young girl being hit outside a nearby home, who also recovered safely.
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Despite these incidents, Gloucestershire County Council has indicated that Tuffley Avenue is not currently a priority for new crossings because no fatalities have occurred there. MP McIntyre and the school community disagree, advocating for a proper crossing point strategically placed just past Calton Road to serve pupils heading toward Ribston Hall High School as well.
“We must provide clarity and safety for both pedestrians and drivers,” said McIntyre. “Children should never have to fear for their safety on their way to school.”
The Calton School spokesperson praised students for their active citizenship in raising this vital issue through surveys and community engagement, demonstrating real democratic impact beyond classroom learning.
Responding to safety concerns, Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Whyborn confirmed that a road safety scheme for Tuffley Avenue is scheduled for implementation in August and September 2026. This will include replacing chicanes with speed cushions, a 20mph speed limit, and additional traffic calming measures. However, the existing raised crossing platform will remain, as assessments showed it is well-utilized by pedestrians, including children and individuals with mobility challenges.
While some residents have requested modifications to the crossing, council evaluations found no evidence supporting its removal or replacement. The primary safety issues identified relate to vehicle speeds along other sections of Tuffley Avenue, which the new measures aim to address.
As the community awaits these improvements, the call for an official pedestrian crossing remains strong, emphasizing that the safety and peace of mind of children traveling to school should be paramount.