Temporary Traffic Lights On The Junction

I am writing to raise serious concerns regarding the temporary traffic lights installed at the junction of Rowan Road, Manor Road, Northborough Road and Wide Way, and the significant safety risks they are now posing to students of Harris Academy Merton.

Nearly 1,400 students use this junction every school day. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that the school has formally written to parents warning that traffic conditions after school have become “particularly dangerous” due to the temporary traffic lights and early darkness, and advising that students should leave the area within 15 minutes for their own safety, despite staff being present at the lights.

It is extremely concerning that a school feels compelled to issue such a warning. This clearly demonstrates that the current traffic management arrangements are inadequate and unsafe, particularly during peak school departure times when large numbers of students are crossing these roads.

It is difficult to understand why works at such a critical junction next to a large secondary school were scheduled during term time, rather than during school holidays when risk to children would have been significantly reduced. The dangers caused by congestion, confusion, and crowded pedestrian crossings were entirely foreseeable.

The current arrangements have resulted in:

Increased risk to student safety after school

Severe congestion at peak times

Students congregating in unsafe conditions in low visibility

Avoidable distress for parents, staff, and local residents

This represents poor planning and insufficient consideration of safeguarding and community impact.

I urge the Council to:

Immediately review the traffic management at this junction

Implement effective mitigation during school start and finish times (e.g. traffic marshals, revised signal phasing)

Provide a clear explanation as to why these works were allowed to proceed during term time

The safety of children must be a priority. I would appreciate a prompt written response detailing what actions will be taken to address the situation.