6 days ago
Does this London intersection need crossing guards or just safer drivers?
A dangerous intersection in Old South might prompt a citywide review of London's policy for locating crossing guards. Daryl Newcombe reports.
A dangerous intersection in Old South might prompt a citywide review of London's policy for locating crossing guards.
On Monday, several parents in the area of Wortley Road and Emery Street told the Community and Protective Services CAPS Committee that persistent dangerous driving at the four-way stop poses a serious risk to children walking to school.
They want city hall to provide a crossing guard when school resumes in September.
'It's beyond appalling that we've gone this far in order for our children to safely make it to school,' said Matt Grimminck.
Currently, London spends $1.55 million each year on 106 crossing guards.
Coun. Skylar Franke, who represents the neighbourhood, brought forward a motion requesting a review of city hall's crossing guard policy and development of a budget business case for $200,000 that would fund an additional 14 crossing guards citywide.
'This is just one of the tools we have in our toolbox that I was hoping to move forward,' explained Franke. 'Because it seems that the enforcement that's currently being done is not sufficient.'
Committee members agreed that dangerous driving around schools is a source of frequent complaints.
'I have two schools in my ward that for the past two years I've been hearing from the parents the same thing,' said Coun. Jerry Pribil.
Coun. Peter Cuddy listed several dangerous school crossings in his northeast ward, 'This isn't an isolated case in my ward, nor is it an isolated case in Coun. Franke's ward. This is happening all over the city.'
According to city staff, the intersection of Emery and Wortley was recently evaluated for a crossing guard, but the number of vehicles and pedestrians didn't meet the minimum criteria.
Franke suggested the current criteria might not reflect the level of distracted and dangerous driving occurring on London roads.
'There is some flexibility in choosing which standards and metrics we're using and where we want to put crossing guards,' she explained.
Coun. Hadleigh McAlister agreed, 'I do think that this is something that should be regularly reviewed. As indicated, we can go above the provincial minimums if we deem it necessary.'
The committee unanimously recommended reviewing the policy and criteria for locating crossing guards in consultation with local school boards and private schools.
The results could contribute to a budget business case for additional crossing guards in London.
The review won't be completed in time to reconsider the presence of a crossing guard at Wortley and Emery by September.
After the decision, neighbour Aylish Tate told CTV News, 'I'm ultimately disappointed that we didn't receive the relief that we're looking for—for ourselves, our peace of mind, and for our children come September.'
Council will consider the recommendation from the CAPS Committee on July 22.
