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Calls for pedestrian crossing in Grovehurst Road, Kemsley, after mum and baby hit by car

00:01, 03 September 2015

Kent County Council has come under fresh pressure to build a pedestrian crossing on a busy road following an accident involving a young mum.

She was pushing her baby in a pram across Grovehurst Road, Kemsley, when she was hit by a car just before 7pm on Thursday.

The woman, believed to be in her 20s, was treated at the scene for head and back injuries, while her child escaped unhurt.

Views of Grovehurst roundabout, Kemsley
Views of Grovehurst roundabout, Kemsley

Both were taken to Medway Maritime Hospital.

The accident has heaped pressure on KCC’s highways department to install safety measures along the road, which is frequently used by children walking to Kemsley Primary School.

Iwade resident Paul Scanlan has lobbied the authority to take action after his young daughter narrowly avoided being run over last year.

Kayla, nine, was walking with her sister, Alex, 10, and mum Kim to school when the terrifying incident occurred.

They had started crossing Grovehurst Road after a lorry driver stopped to let them go, when a car shot past on the outside of the lorry and clipped Kayla’s foot.

Although she was uninjured, the family was shaken by the accident and vowed to see a crossing built there.

Paul Scanlan with his daughters Alex (left) and Kayla (right)
Paul Scanlan with his daughters Alex (left) and Kayla (right)

Mr Scanlan, 55, said: “It could have been so much worse.

“I complained to KCC and they said they don’t have the funds to build a crossing.

“I said ‘So a child’s life is not worth £100,000?’ They didn’t answer that.

“I want to see something done. I just don’t want to see another Jade’s Crossing.”

Jade Hobbs, eight, was killed in 2000 after being knocked over by a vehicle on the A249 at the bottom of Detling Hill.

After her death, KCC built a footbridge over the road.

Borough councillor James Hunt (Con), who is also chairman of Iwade Parish Council, said: “The lighting and crossing there has been a concern to the parish council for some time.

“We have raised this with KCC and Highways England.”

Cllr James Hunt
Cllr James Hunt

Cllr Roger Truelove (Lab) said he was aware of concerns about the road.

“I have seen the situation. It looks pretty frightening,” he said. “School children and their parents are in danger with cars shooting off from the A249.”

Police are investigating the incident.

However, no action has been taken against the female driver, who was in a black Peugeot.

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