HIGHWAYS officials ruled out installing a zebra crossing on a busy Ely road, despite pleas from parents.

Ely Standard: The stretch of Lynn Road where Mr Jones believes a crossing is neededThe stretch of Lynn Road where Mr Jones believes a crossing is needed (Image: Archant)

Father-of-two Toby Jones appealed to Cambridgeshire County Council on the ShapeYourPlace website to install some form of crossing aid in Lynn Road, to help the dozens of children and parents who cross the road to get to Spring Meadow or St Mary’s Schools every day.

Mr Jones said: “Recently the walkway from Lynn Road to Bentham Way – parallel to Queen Emma Walk - was upgraded and lots of people use it on the school run to Spring Meadow and St Mary’s.

“At the Lynn Road end, however, there’s no provision for crossing the main road.

“This is a very busy road which is very difficult to cross, especially with children on scooters/bikes and in prams.

“Not only does the traffic not slow down and seem never ending, but there’s no drop curbs either. Several times my boys have crossed the road only to be stuck trying to lift their bikes and scooter onto the pavement, with lorries bearing down on them.

“Anyone crossing Lynn Road is putting their life at risk. This location desperately needs a zebra crossing.”

Mr Jones posted a video on YouTube showing himself and his two boys, aged four and six, as they attempted to cross amid a steady stream of traffic.

Responding to Mr Jones this week, however, the county council ruled out hope of a crossing.

A spokesman said: “Crossing activity here really only concentrates at school opening and closing times.

“An assessment regarding the need for a school crossing patrol was carried out just before the end of the December term; it concluded that the need for a crossing patrol fell well short of the criteria.

“There is not felt by the county council to be a case for a permanent crossing point at this location.

“If, however, the city council feels that such a measure were a priority for the community, it may wish to consider identifying funding for such works.”