DUDLEY'S MP has raised "serious" concerns about road safety outside of a primary school in parliament.
Sonia Kumar MP has called on the Government to take immediate action to improve road safety outside Red Hall Primary School in Lower Gornal.
Speaking during Education Questions in the House of Commons, Sonia Kumar highlighted the serious risks posed by the current zebra crossing, which spans a busy road between the school’s split sites.
She said in recent months, constituents have reported a sharp rise in “near misses” at the crossing, including vehicles braking suddenly, drivers shouting at pedestrians, and children having to run to avoid being struck.
The MP previously wrote to Dudley Council's leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, outlining these concerns and urging urgent intervention.
She raised key issues, including increased usage of the crossing, with the school now having 410 pupils, the significant traffic volume along Zoar Street, the lack of crossing patrol, which was removed in 2021, the 'advisable' 20mph speed limit, which is not enforceable, and outdated traffic data for the road.
Ms Kumar also highlighted how 30 per cent of Red Hall's pupils have special educational needs, making safe crossing even more critical.
During Education Questions, she asked: “The zebra crossing outside Red Hall Primary School in Lower Gornal spans both sides of a busy road, putting children at risk each day as they cross between sites with no patrols and frequent dangerous driving.
"I have urged the council to act.
"What work is my Right Honourable Friend undertaking with the Transport Secretary to ensure adequate funding and support for school road safety?”
Ms Kumar added: commented: “The safety of children must be a top priority.
"I am calling for enforceable speed limits, a reinstated crossing patrol, and a full review of the crossing’s position.
"I will continue to work with local authorities and ministers to ensure these urgent measures are delivered.”
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