We, the undersigned, call upon Nottingham City Council to install safety barriers along the footpath on Crown Island where the billboards are located, at the junction of Wollaton Road and Middleton Boulevard. This area has been the site of multiple accidents, resulting in damage to telecommunication infrastructure and posing a significant risk to pedestrian safety. The council's inaction on this issue raises concerns about whether it will take a fatality to prompt necessary safety measures.

## Background

Crown Island is a major junction in Nottingham, connecting Wollaton Road and Middleton Boulevard. The area in question, where billboards are situated, has been the scene of repeated accidents involving vehicles leaving the road and damaging telecommunication boxes. These incidents not only pose a direct threat to pedestrians but also disrupt vital communication services for local residents and businesses.

## Safety Concerns

### Pedestrian Vulnerability

The lack of protective barriers on this stretch of footpath leaves pedestrians dangerously exposed to vehicular traffic. Research has shown that pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, with limited protection against the forces involved in traffic collisions. In the UK, pedestrian fatalities have risen by 51% in recent years, with approximately 1,300,000 pedestrians killed annually in motor vehicle crashes worldwide.

### Increased Risk During Certain Times

Studies indicate that the hours between 6 PM and 9 PM are the riskiest times for child pedestrians, with 64% of deaths occurring in daylight hours or at dusk. This timing coincides with peak commuting hours and when many families may be using the footpath around Crown Island.

## Impact on the Community

### Disruption to Daily Life

The repeated damage to telecommunication boxes affects more than just road safety. In today's connected world, disruptions to internet and phone services can have severe consequences:

- Families relying on internet connectivity for education and entertainment face unnecessary hardships.
- People working from home may experience loss of productivity and income.
- Vulnerable individuals who depend on phone lines for emergency services or care support are put at risk.

### Economic Consequences

Frequent repairs to damaged infrastructure come at a cost to taxpayers and service providers. These resources could be better spent on proactive safety measures and community improvements.

## Evidence of Similar Interventions

Research supports the effectiveness of physical barriers in improving pedestrian safety:

- A study in the journal "Accident Analysis & Prevention" found that the installation of guardrails and other physical barriers significantly reduced the severity of pedestrian injuries in vehicle collisions.
- The UK Department for Transport recommends the use of pedestrian guardrails in areas with high traffic volumes and a history of accidents.

## Call to Action

We urge the Nottingham City Council to:

1. Conduct an immediate safety audit of the Crown Island area.
2. Install appropriate safety barriers along the footpath where billboards are located.
3. Review and improve signage and road markings to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians.
4. Consider implementing additional traffic calming measures in the vicinity.

By taking these steps, the council can demonstrate its commitment to public safety and prevent potential tragedies before they occur. We must not wait for a fatality to address this known hazard. The safety of our community depends on proactive measures to protect all road users, especially the most vulnerable.

Sign this petition to show your support for a safer Nottingham and to urge our local councillors to take immediate action on this critical issue.