A petition launched by an Ely resident for a safer crossing at the A10/A142 junction on the BP/Witchford roundabout has been backed by a government minister and local councillors.
MP for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer, visited the junction on September 14 and has since launched a petition herself calling for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Cambridgeshire County Council to provide a safe route across for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
Sally Boor, a paramedic, who started the first petition back in June, said that the way cyclists and pedestrians must cross the A10 crossing at Ely is “completely unacceptable” and she called the junction a “death trap”.
At the time of writing, Sally’s petition now has over 1,600 signatures.
Ms Frazer met with Sally and other residents at the junction to witness first-hand the difficulties involved with crossing safely and to express her full support for the creation of a safe walkway.
The pair were also joined by Witchford Climate Action Group, Cllr Rebecca Denness (Labour), Cllr Piers Coutts (Lib Dems), and a paediatric nurse who was passing the junction at the time.
Speaking of the visit, Sally said: “The campaign is going well and I am so happy that the spotlight is on this now. I don't want the opportunity to build something so valued by the community to slip by.
“I hope that they get it right the first time and that we do not have to settle for something substandard because it is cost effective. This is so important to us; it is the final section which will open up the gateway for so many people.”
READ MORE: Ely A10/A142: Petition launched for safer crossing at junction
Ms Frazer has been an advocate of a safe crossing at the roundabout for several years.
She supported its inclusion in the 2020 Local Transport Plan put forward by the previous Combined Authority Mayor, James Palmer, and wrote to the present Mayor, Nik Johnson, to highlight the need for action in September 2021, September 2022, and August this year.
Whilst Ms Frazer is pleased the Combined Authority and Cambridgeshire County Council are now progressing with a feasibility study looking at options for a crossing, she is disappointed that work has been pushed back multiple times.
In light of these delays, Ms Frazer has called on the Mayor to give an assurance that once the feasibility study is completed in September, the Combined Authority will make available the resources needed to move this project forward.
Local Liberal Democrat councillors have also welcomed the progress towards a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists at the BP roundabout at Ely.
READ MORE: Ely A10/A142: Progress on BP crossing welcomed by Lib Dems
Following her visit to the junction, Ms Frazer said: "The junction by the A10/A142 BP roundabout is part of a well-used route for members of the public, but it is hazardous for anybody attempting to cross. It’s a shame the Mayor did not accept my invitation to see that for himself.
"Authorities have a duty to protect road users, yet this project has been waiting in the wings for too long now. For each month that passes, more lives are put at risk.
"I am determined to get it over the line without further delay, which is why I have launched a petition to highlight the overwhelming level of local support to the Combined Authority. I ask everybody who feels strongly about this issue to sign it.
You can sign Ms Frazer’s petition here: Installing a Safe Crossing at A10/A142 Ely Junction
Sally said that she is “desperately hopeful” that the bridge comes before a fatality at the crossing.
"As a paramedic, every time I get called to a road traffic collision in the Ely area my heart sinks,” she said.
“I know that this crossing has been so obviously unsafe for years and I worry that if anyone dies here I, and others are going to feel like it was a completely preventable death had the community been listened to; this is my worst nightmare.
“Please keep sharing and signing because it seems the decision makers are really getting the message now that we will not accept this and thankyou to all for the support.”
You can sign Sally’s petition here: Petition · Help us to walk and cycle safely across the A10/A142 junction at Ely · Change.org
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