New call for zebra after school crossing smash (From South Wales Guardian)

New call for zebra after school crossing smash

7:30am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News

A MUM of four whose car was struck from behind by another vehicle on the A483 trunk road near Llandybie Primary School says it was “a miracle” no-one was killed.

Angry Marie Langford has now added her voice to calls for a zebra or pelican crossing at the spot, where schoolchildren are shepherded across the busy highway by a lollipop lady.

“The collision happened right at the place where she gets kids across,” Ms Langford, 38, of Heol y Garreg Las, Llandeilo, told the Guardian. “I can’t help thinking it could have been much, much worse.”

The accident happened on Tuesday morning’s school run as Ms Langford was driving her daughters, Maharnie, ten, and fiveyear- old Roisin, to Llandybie Primary.

“My people carrier was stationary and I was indicating to turn right,” she said. “Suddenly there was a bang from behind, a car had gone straight into us.

The lollipop lady later said she could tell from the other driver’s face that he knew he wasn’t going to be able to stop.”

Ms Langford said she was relieved it was only her car that was struck. “If that driver couldn’t see a stationary car in front of him he wouldn’t have seen the lollipop lady,” she added.

Her mother, Pat, said: “It’s a ridiculous place for children to cross.”

Llandybie community councillor Pat Tiddy said there had been repeated calls for a zebra crossing.

“This crash more than justifies our concerns,” he said.

“Unfortunately the powers that be are reluctant to put a zebra crossing on a trunk road. If it can’t be done I’d like to see a walkover bridge put there – it won’t be cheap but what’s the alternative? Children getting knocked over?”