New restrictions are likely to be brought in near a Spalding school where a child was knocked down.
The accident happened near Spalding Parish Church of England Day School, prompting calls for increased safety in the area, writes Local Democracy Reporter Jamie Waller.
County councillors have backed plans for a 24-hour ban on parking on certain junctions and stretches of Balmoral Avenue near to where a walkway leads from the back of the school.
Other sections must be kept clear from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
There had been one objection from a resident due to the loss of on-street parking.
However, the planning committee on Monday (February 9) said it was more important that children are kept safe on the way to school, and most houses in the area had driveways.
A report on the proposed change says: “The site of Spalding Parish Church of England Day School is connected via a link footway to Balmoral Avenue.
“Following an incident where a child was injured by a moving vehicle in this area during school finish time, requests have been received for measures to restrict on street parking to improve the visibility of pedestrians at this location.
“Site visits have confirmed that parking in the area is a cause for concern in terms of highway safety as footways are obstructed and forward visibility at junctions and on the bend outside No. 54 Balmoral Avenue is reduced.
“This increases the risk of collisions and compromises safety. It has also been observed that traffic flow for buses and larger vehicles can be impeded.”
Coun Tom Sneath told a meeting: “This is a very tight bit of road. Any obstruction means you’re on the wrong side of the road, having to squeeze around.
“This is something that should have come sooner, and I wish it had under the circumstances.”
Coun Manzur Hassan, who represents the area, said: “There is a clear safety concern to protect visibility and children at start and finish times. It’s proportionate, practical and in the interest of the whole community.”
The recommendation will be sent to the executive councillor for highways to make the final decision.
