Rugby Labour councillors are calling for better safety measures on Leicester Road after a schoolboy was struck by a driver in an incident which parents have said is all too common.  Speed cameras, an underpass and rerouting pedestrian routes are among the suggestions councillors have following the incident.  Councillors then visited the crossing, finding no shortage of aggressive driving and startled pedestrians.

Alarmed, Cllrs Jim Ellis and Ram Srivastava contacted County councillor Sarah Feeney and arranged a meeting to discuss what could be done.

Cllr Ellis said a review would include discussions over possible safer routes for children who cross Leicester Road walk to school and consider parental accounts of cars speeding through red lights.  Discussions also included filing for a safety review and requesting investment for the route.

Cllr Ram Srivastava said: “In an ideal world, an underpass or pedestrian bridge might also be appropriate, but we appreciate this is an expensive investment – but it should be considered”

Cllr Jim Ellis said: “With the up and coming Avon Mill Roundabout improvements, we need Warwickshire County Council to consider safety upgrades along the route. Since they will be streamlining car access, roads and pedestrian routes in one section with the Avon Mill upgrade – we must ask them to be more holistic and ensure the Safer School Route is also upgraded to a safe level further down the route.”