Campaigners rejoice as 20mph to be introduced near school (From Times Series)

Campaigners rejoice as 20mph to be introduced near school in East Finchley

10:14am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

A 20mph speed limit will be introduced near a school in East Finchley following a year-long campaign by parents and school governors.

Walksafe N2 campaigners cheered and clapped as Barnet Council’s area environment subcommittee agreed to improve pedestrian safety near Martin Primary School in Plane Tree Walk, East Finchley.

For months supporters Walksafe N2 have voiced their concerns about vehicles speeding in nearby Church Lane and the A1000 and drivers ignoring zebra and pedestrian crossings.

Chair of governors at the school Catrin Dillon, said: “It is my belief that everyone who regularly uses any of the routes concerned will have witnessed near misses or indeed actual accidents. Concerns have abounded and have been voiced since well before I began my association with the school.

“Any measures need to be bold and blatant to alert traffic to slow down, or indeed to stop for children to cross and walk safely.”

Following further pledges from campaigners and ward councillor, Alison Moore, the subcommittee voted in favour to introduce a 20mph speed limit in Church Lane.

There will also be consultations on whether to introduce a zebra crossing in Creighton Avenue as well as a pedestrian island at the junction of Church Lane and East End Road.

Campaigners cried tears of joy as they congratulated each other on their success.

Speaking after last night’s meeting, campaign leader Emily Burnham said: “We’re absolutely ecstatic. It’s been a long, hard year but we’re really pleased with the result and we are looking forward to a fast implementation.

“The committee were very sympathetic and showed common sense.”

Walksafe N2 will now continue to lobby for improved safety at the corner of Creighton Avenue and at the junction in front of Martin Primary School.