A local man has launched a campaign to make Hackney Downs’ roads safer.
Hackney Downs resident Jonathan Ashworth has launched an e-petition to get a zebra crossing installed between Downs Road and Rendelsham Road.
Mr Ashworth, who has lived near the Downs with his partner for two years, said that a crossing was “badly” needed at the “dreadful junction”.
“Hundreds of people cross to and from the Downs at this point.
“But these streets are being used as a rat-run by local road users, many of whom drive too fast and with little or no regards for pedestrians.
“The junction is used at busy times of the day when parents are taking their children to the many nurseries and schools in the immediate area.
“There is no official space for people to cross safely, so drivers and pedestrians are constantly at odds with one another.
“Clarification about who has priority to use the road is needed to ensure that everyone stays safe.”
150 people have signed Mr Ashworth’s petition so far.
One signatory, Anna J, said, “it’s obvious, there should be one here already!”
James M added: “These should be quiet, residential streets. Pedestrians need help here.”
Another signatory, Jo P, claimed to have seen “three accidents in a year” on the two roads, which receive a high volume of traffic as a result of the controversial Stoke Newington gyratory.
Last week Mr Ashworth camped out at the spot dressed in a zebra onesie to collect signatures from locals.
He told Hackney Post that “practically everyone” he spoke to, including the local crossing patrol warden, agreed that changes needed to be made.
Mr Ashworth now wants to speak to children and staff at local schools about the importance of installing a crossing in the area.
He will present the e-petition to Hackney Council when he has reached his target of 200 signatures.
