FAMILIES along a busy road in St Albans are celebrating the news that a vital pedestrian crossing could be installed in the coming months.

The proposed crossing in Folly Lane comes after residents living along the busy street collected over 100 signatures which were presented to the Joint Highways Panel last year, pressing Herts Highways to take action and install a crossing. Many families cross Folly Lane at the junction with Church Crescent to access Victoria Playing Fields, St Albans Children’s Centre and Aboyne Lodge School.

Nearby Cannon Street resident Jon Davies said the crossing would put many parents’ minds at rest. He said: “It’s something the council should be commended for. It’s about giving families and children safer access to the parks and their school.

“At present it’s impossible for people to cross without dicing with death but the crossing will almost certainly have a positive impact on the speed of the cars and the families who must cross Folly Lane.”

Concerns about the speed of cars and the damage done to the railings around Victoria Playing Fields as a result of road accidents prompted the residents to group together and lend their support to a campaign to have a crossing fitted.

A site notice is now in place and subject to consultation, the puffin pedestrian crossing could be in place by August.

Cllr Martin Leach, who presented the petition to the panel, praised the move by Herts Highways.

He said: “This is one of the most dangerous roads to cross on foot in St Albans. It is a real concern for families with young children and pushchairs, and older residents who are not as mobile as they used to be.

“I’m really pleased to hear that this crossing will now be put in place, and I know it will make a real difference to people’s quality of life in the area. Three cheers for Herts Highways!”