School run puts Battersea residents' lives at risk

Residents of Battersea High Street have been increasingly concerned with cars on the school run blocking their emergency access road.

Since the Grenfell tower fire tragedy, Battersea High Street Residents Association (BHSRA) have doubled down on fire safety issues.

"In an emergency every second counts so we need to keep this access road clear 24/7." said a representative of BHSRA.

The emergency access point belongs to Humphrey Court and is opposite Thomas's Battersea prep school.

The group called out Wandsworth Council on Twitter after waiting a year for a road sign which still has not been installed.

Without proper signage the group understands it is unclear that the road is an emergency access but this is why they believe it is imperative for the council act quickly.

The association say Thomas's try to manage the traffic in the morning but they are frequently seeing instances where parked cars are blocking the emergency access.

Some parents park on Granfield Street, on the other side of Humphrey Court, and walk through which causes further delays due to road blockages.

Aside from fire safety concerns it is also makes it dangerous for residents to exit the estate as their line of sight is blocked.

Historically Thomas's had a large internal car park but this was converted into a playground, leading to the current congestion each morning and afternoon.

The school has plans to expand into the Royal Academy of Dance behind and residents hope there will be provisions for parents to drop off their children within school bounds, rather than adding pressure to the road network in the surrounding area.

BHSRA spoke to the council's parking team who have assured them patrols will be increased and there are considerations of adding no-loading provisions at certain times of the day.

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