LESS than 36 hours after a South Ockendon schoolboy was injured after a collision with a car outside a local school, Thurrock Council has announced it is to take road safety improvement measures at the site.

The accident, which happened yesterday morning (Thursday, 24 September) when the boy was crossing Erriff Road on his cycle was reported on Thurrock Nub News.

Later in the day ward councillors Chris Baker and Mike Fletcher revealed they and local residents had been campaigning for some time for a pedestrian crossing or other safety measures to be introduced. However, they say the council's response was that it could not afford the work.

But this afternoon the council has announced a new crossing point, traffic calming measures, new yellow lines and off-road parking bays will be installed outside the Harris Ockendon Academy.

Cllr Andrew Jefferies, cabinet member for education and also a South Ockendon ward councillor, said: "It is dreadful to hear about an incident like this, thankfully it seems the child involved only suffered minor injuries.

"Work is soon set to start in making this road safer for pupils with a new crossing point, parking bays and traffic calming measures but in light of this most recent incident, I have asked for the proposed scheme to be reviewed again to see if we can go even further to improve safety for the pupils attending this school.

"In the meantime I would urge parents to be careful when they are dropping their children off at school and park responsibly to keep all pupils safe.

"It is also vital that all drivers slow down when they are driving near schools, especially during the morning and afternoon rush."

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