La Fontaine Academy road safety concerns

La Fontaine Academy relocated to Nightingale Lane in February – and headteacher, Dr Sebastien Chapleau, said some children don’t feel safe walking to school. 

He told News Shopper: “There have been a few alarming near misses recently. 

“The issue is when students are going from one side of the main road to another. There are very few pedestrian crossings, and kids either go a long way, which is not practical, or they have to risk crossing a busy road. 

“It is a very busy area and many families are now driving because it is not safe."

The school has consulted parents over the issue – with 90 per cent of families concerned about pedestrian safety in the area. 

Dr Chapleau said he wants to build a positive relationship with Bromley Council to find solutions to the problem. 

He added: “Our duty is to teach the kids, but we want them to feel safe outside of school. 

“Everyone blames the council when something is wrong, but there is stuff we can do too. We can use high vis jackets or employ someone to help the kids cross, but building a pedestrian crossing is not in our power.”

The consultation concluded that parents wanted safer crossing points, better visibility near junctions, the speed limit to be reduced to 20mph and improved signage for road users.

Leader of Bromley, Councillor Colin Smith, said: "I recently convened a meeting comprising of the three local schools’ head teachers and traffic engineers where it was agreed that improved existing signage and additional 20mph signage would be introduce along Bishops Avenue, Tylney Road and Nightingale Lane.

"Also that an assessment would be undertaken by the engineers with regards to installing either a protected crossing point adjacent to the local mini roundabout and or a zebra crossing introduced, all subject to consultation with local residents and user groups.

"That work is moving forward. The Council has also offered to part fund an additional lollipop person if the school wishes to take the offer up."