A Highgate Lib Dem councillor is calling for urgent action to improve road safety at a Highgate school after an accident last week in which a child was injured. Highgate Lib Dem councillor Neil Williams says that if road safety improvements are not made on Bishopswood Road, near Highgate Junior School, it is only a matter of time before a more serious incident occurs.

Bishopswood Road, which forms a crescent off Hampstead Lane, has a junior and an infants school along its length, as well as a heavily used sports centre.During pick up and drop off times, it is often very busy and congested. To alleviate the problem, most parents driving to Highgate Junior School operate a ‘de facto’ one-way system in the road, and enter at the western end, exiting at the east.

At 4.00 pm on 29th May, a car that was probably not aware of the voluntary one way system was attempting to enter at the eastern end.Having to battle against all the cars coming the other way, the driver hit a child, who had probably not expected a car from that direction. The boy’s foot was crushed, breaking a bone and he and the other children who witnessed the accident were all extremely shaken. The police and ambulance services were called.

Councillor Williams has asked Haringey council to investigate urgent improvements, including possible chicanes to allow easier crossing, and the possibility of introducing a formal one-way system in Bishopswood Road.

Councillor Neil Williams comments:”I am very concerned, as a serious accident outside Highgate Juniors is a constant danger. Children’s safety is paramount. The status quo is not acceptable.”