Five zebra crossing projects in Solihull are set to be installed or upgraded after the necessary funding was confirmed, bringing a boost to pedestrian safety at important local sites.
Councillors in Solihull have greeted the announcement with enthusiasm, recognising the success of numerous community campaigns and petitions that highlighted the need for improved crossing points.
During a recent decision session for the cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, officials revealed that a total of £1.475 million had been allocated from the Department for Transport for these initiatives within the current financial year.
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Although earlier delays in obtaining road safety data led to £405,000 being put on hold in February, further postponements meant that delivery of schemes reliant on this data was unlikely to be completed within the funding timeframe. Consequently, it was agreed that if no schemes emerged from the data review, the £405,000 would be reallocated to other priority projects under the Local Network Improvement Plan (LNIP).
On 7 September, at a virtual meeting, Councillor Ken Hawkins approved the use of the LNIP funding for the proposed crossings.
The five pedestrian crossing schemes earmarked for funding are:
- Widney Lane
- Old Lode Lane
- Gunns Way
- Moordown Avenue near St Andrews RC School
- Another key location to be finalised pending design and costing considerations
Officials noted that while final designs and costings are still subject to confirmation, these projects aim to significantly enhance safety for pedestrians across the borough and ensure full utilisation of the allocated funds.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, representing St Alphege with Monkspath and Hillfield, highlighted that the Widney Lane scheme would provide safer walking routes to nearby schools and parks.
Elmdon Councillor Laura McCarthy expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking nearly 300 signatories of the petition she co-organised, and celebrated the council’s approval of a zebra crossing on Old Lode Lane as a vital step towards improved pedestrian safety.
Olton Councillor Michael Carthew referred to the crossing near Gunns Way as a “big campaign win,” emphasising the difficulty pedestrians have faced in that area, particularly given the proximity of three schools and the upcoming Sixth Form at Langley School. He assured residents that updates will follow as plans progress.
Councillor Ade Adeyemo, who along with Councillor Kathryn Thomas and Councillor Paul McCabe has long campaigned for safer crossings, thanked those who signed the petition for a crossing near St Andrews RC School on Moordown Avenue, marking a significant achievement for community-led safety improvements.