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Brent Primary School's road safety petition presented to Parliament following death of schoolgirl Lily Lockwood in Watling Street, Dartford

12:24, 14 February 2024

A school’s road safety petition has been heard in Parliament following the death of one of its pupils.

Lily May Lockwood was fatally struck by a car in Watling Street, Dartford on July 10 2021 just a short distance from her home and school.

Lily Lockwood was fatally struck in July 2021
Lily Lockwood was fatally struck in July 2021

The ten-year-old was killed after being hit by a speeding motorist in a yellow Audi S1 near the junction with Meadow Way who was under the influence of cocaine.

Now her school, The Brent Primary in Stone, has created a petition which was presented to parliament last week.

The proposed measures would see surrounding roads reduced from 30mph to 20mph.

It also asks for more speed reduction measures including speed cameras, speed bumps, posters and police checks so that the limit is adhered to.

It presented in the House of Commons last Tuesday (February 6) by Dartford MP Gareth Johnson.

Gareth Johnson presented the petition to fellow MPs. Picture: Parliament TV
Gareth Johnson presented the petition to fellow MPs. Picture: Parliament TV

Reading it, he said: “This is an important issue to pupils as road crashes have had devastating effects on families and communities, including, sadly, a pupil of the school who lost her life.”

Gavin Prodger, the taxi driver who fatally struck Lily with his car, was jailed last October.

Prodger, of Beaulieu Rise, Rochester, was speeding in a yellow Audi S1 near the junction with Meadow Way and was 200 times over the drug-driving limit.

He was jailed for 12 years and after serving a minimum of at least eight years he will then serve another two years on licence when he is freed.

Following the tragedy, there were claims parents were too scared to let their children walk to school.

Tributes paid to Lily in Watling Street after her death
Tributes paid to Lily in Watling Street after her death

There have also been several calls for a safe crossing point to be made in Watling Street.

The petitioners have requested the government to take immediate action and introduce the safety measures proposed.

Addressing the house, Mr Johnson added: “Every pupil at Brent Primary School wants to feel safe when travelling to and from school and near local roads.

“If road safety is improved, pupils will be more likely to walk and cycle to places and therefore live healthier lifestyles.”

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