Croydon Citizens ‘cross’ at dangerous road: Community alliance calls for longer green man at unsafe crossing

Community leaders from Croydon Citizens took action on Sunday to highlight a dangerous pedestrian crossing in Thornton Heath.

The leaders, dressed in green, crossed the road between Tesco and Superdrug on Brigstock Road in Thornton Heath behind elderly and disabled peers to show how difficult it is to get across safely before the green man turns red.

The leaders held banners saying ‘give us time to cross’ and ‘stay green for longer’ in an attempt to send a clear message to Transport for London (TfL) who are responsible for all traffic lights and crossings in Croydon.

Croydon Citizens has written to TfL to request a meeting. TfL has requested more information before it will confirm that it is prepared to meet and discuss the issue.

Marion Cordell, parishioner at St Andrews RC Church in Thornton Heath, and member of Croydon Citizens said:

"I have to use a walker to get around. I always wait for the green man before I cross the road but at this crossing it goes out too quickly for me to get across.”

Frances Gilbert, a leader in Croydon Citizens said:

"I feel quite nervous every time I use this crossing as the green man goes out as you reach half way over the road. I am deeply concerned about those who are disabled, elderly and or have young children. We need more time to get across safely and I hope TfL meets with us to sort this out immediately."

The green man crossing concerns came to light through Croydon Citizens’ listening campaign which identifies issues affecting the local community.

Croydon Citizens is an alliance of schools, churches and other faith and community groups. It is the Croydon branch of Citizens UK.

Citizens UK works to develop the capacity and skills of socially and economically disadvantaged communities so that their members are better able to identify and help meet their own needs; improve their neighbourhood; and participate more fully in society.