Liberal Democrats Launch Petition for Safer Crossing on New Lane, Huntington

Liberal Democrats are calling on council leaders to make progress on stalled plans for a pedestrian crossing to be installed on New Lane in Huntington. 

Nearly three years ago, Huntington and New Earswick Liberal Democrat councillors met with council officers on New Lane to press the case for a pedestrian crossing linking the park and ride site, the Community Stadium, and local schools. 

During that site visit, a teacher from Yearsley Grove Primary School was forced to stand in the middle of the road to stop traffic so children could cross safely, a demonstration of the dangers faced daily by pupils, parents with pushchairs, disabled people, and other residents. 

For years, the Council argued that pedestrian numbers were too low to meet Government criteria for a crossing. But with the opening of the Stadium and increased footfall in the area, the case has only grown stronger. 

A crossing was expected to be installed in the 2023/24 financial year. However, since Labour took control of the Council in May 2023, progress has stalled. Despite repeated questions to the Executive Member for Transport and to council officers, no timetable has been given.

To show the Council the strength of local feeling, Liberal Democrat councillors have launched a petition calling for the crossing to be installed as a matter of urgency. 

Cllr Keith Orrell said:

“At our site visit, we saw first-hand just how dangerous New Lane can be with a teacher forced to stand in the road so children from Yearsley Grove could cross safely. A safe crossing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for families, pupils and everyone who uses the park and ride or Stadium.”

Cllr Carol Runciman said:

“It shouldn’t be this difficult for disabled people, parents with pushchairs, or local residents to cross such a busy road. The case for a crossing has only grown stronger since the Stadium opened, and the Council must stop dragging its feet.”

Cllr Chris Cullwick said:

"A crossing was expected to be delivered in 2023/24, but since Labour took control there has been no progress. We’ve launched this petition to show just how important this is to the community, and we urge everyone to sign it.” 

Sign the petition here: digitallibdems.typeform.com/newlanecrossing