Concerns are growing over safety on Alderminster Road in Mount Nod, and now a group of worried parents have launched a petition calling on the Council to make improvements. They have the backing of Woodlands Ward Councillors who say the road has become increasingly dangerous to cross, particularly during busy school run times.
The petition, which already has the backing of hundreds of residents, calls for the installation of a safe crossing point and a full review of road safety along Alderminster Road. The parents are particularly worried safety near to shops on Wilmcote Green due to a ‘blind bend’ which creates a lack of visibility. The area is a vital crossing point for parents using the route daily to reach Mount Nod Primary School, St John Vianney Catholic primary School.
Ward Councillors have been campaigning for improvements for years as the busy road has become a flashpoint with multiple incidents taking place. This time around Cllr Gary Ridley will present the petition on behalf of residents and hopes the Council will listen.
In 2017 a car hurtled through a crash barrier and a garden wall before crashing into a corner house adjacent to Beausale Croft. That prompted Cllr Julia Lepoidevin to collect a petition bearing almost 500 signatures. Although the Council installed Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) and additional double-yellow lines, they didn’t go as far as the petition requested.
In 2023 Alderminster Road made national headlines when a car crashed into a house and telegraph pole before bursting into flames. The driver was pulled from the vehicle and treated at the scene before being arrested. At the time, Cllr Peter Male presented a petition, and Cllr Gary Ridley proposed a ‘three-point plan’ which called for average speed cameras, a pedestrian refuge and a new mini roundabout.
Despite these serious, and well publicised incidents, the Council claimed that speeding wasn’t an issue on the route and dismissed concerns. A report to the Cabinet Member in October 2023 claimed there had been no ‘collisions’ recorded within the last three years and stated they were unwilling to take any action until at least six accidents were recorded.
Local resident and Mum Rebecca Brady is leading the campaign and said: “As a parent who regularly walks her children to and from school during peak times, I find crossing the road at Aynho Close particularly challenging. The blind bend and the speed of approaching vehicles make it dangerous. Additionally, the emissions from vehicles near the three local schools harm the environment and contribute to congestion. I am campaigning for safer roads for pedestrians and the community, encouraging more parents to walk their children to school safely. Installing a crossing would benefit everyone accessing the shops, services, and schools in the area.”
Fellow Mum Victoria added: “The junction of Alderminster Road and Aynho Road near Wilnecote Green can be challenging and unsafe for pedestrians to cross due to a blind bend on Alderminster Road, which significantly reduces visibility of oncoming traffic. Motorists often approach the bend at speed, forcing pedestrians to take risks when attempting to cross.”
Local resident Luke Busby is also backing the call for action and said: “Crossing the junction between Alderminster Road and Aynho Road during the school run is very challenging. I have a young child, a child in a pushchair, and on Fridays, my autistic son who doesn't fully understand the dangers. Explaining to my autistic son and younger daughter why we must walk higher up the road to cross, and sometimes run across due to speeding cars, is difficult. Cars zoom around the corner or down the hill without regard for pedestrians. My mother, a lollipop lady, has also noted how bad it is. Traffic measures would benefit school children, local families, and the elderly community.”
The petition will be presented by Cllr Gary Ridley who said: “Parents shouldn’t have to take their lives into their hands getting their kids to school. The people I’ve spoken to won’t just go away or be pacified because there is real anger. This road is dangerous, and action is long overdue so officials must stop dragging their feet. Are they really prepared to wait for six serious accidents before they do something?”
Cllr Peter Male added: “This is a serious and long-standing concern for residents. I’ve raised this issue before, and I support the petition fully. The Council has a duty to make this road safer — we can’t afford to wait for an accident.”
Cllr Julia Lepoidevin said: “There is huge community support for this campaign. A crossing and road safety improvements here would make a real difference to families, elderly residents and children walking to school.”
Several local shops have posters up with QR codes which direct to the petition Residents can sign the petition online: https://edemocracy.coventry.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=577&RPID=71935842&HPID=71935842
