New pedestrian crossing ready for start of academic year

The Council secured government funding to install the crossing with the support of the University of Reading and St Joseph’s College.

Students, pupils, staff and local residents will benefit from the new crossing which, along with other measures locally, will provide a better environment for walking and cycling.

There was previously no designated crossing point in Upper Redlands Road and there was a large amount of community support for a facility.

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:“This project has been a great collaboration between the Council, University of Reading and St Joseph’s College for the benefit of the whole local community.

“There has been a lot of support for a pedestrian crossing to be installed on Upper Redlands Road and I am delighted we have been able to deliver this in time for the new school year.

“The new crossing will complement other council initiatives in the area to make walking and cycling more attractive for students, pupils, staff and local residents.”

The Council submitted a bid for funding from the government’s Active Travel Fund 4 programme which was supported by further contributions from St Joseph’s College and the University of Reading.

Installation of the crossing has recently been completed to provide a safe route for children to walk to school and linking to the university, via Elmhurst Road, to an earlier active travel scheme on Shinfield Road.

Parents of pupils at St Joseph's College, University of Reading representatives and Green councillors Kathryn McCann and Rob White using the Upper Redlands Road crossing. Credit: University of Reading

Lynn Douglas, Bursar, St Joseph’s College, said: “We are delighted to see this key pedestrian crossing come to fruition after many years of campaigning by the College and our Parents’ Association.

"We are pleased to have been able to contribute financially towards the establishment of the crossing, which will enhance the safe passage of our pupils on their way to and from school and when using the sports facilities at the university.”

Dan Fernbank, Energy & Sustainability Director at the University of Reading, said: “Seeing this new crossing in place improves road safety for our students, staff, those of the local schools and the whole community. We have worked with the community to campaign for a crossing here for many years and are pleased our financial contribution and those of others have helped make this a reality. We look forward to seeing more active travel improvements locally in the future.”

Parents of pupils at St Joseph's College, University of Reading representatives and Green councillors Kathryn McCann and Rob White using the Upper Redlands Road crossing. Credit: University of Reading

Councillor Kathryn McCann (Green Party, Redlands), one of the local councillors, said: “Well done to everyone who campaigned for this crossing for such a long time. It will improve road safety for everyone.

"Parents have been working for this for the last six years, with the support of the University of Reading, Green councillors and local schools.

"Thanks to everyone who contributed financially, including the school community and Reading University, and to the council officers who prepared the bid for funding.

"This shows what is possible if you care about something and keep working for it."