Pensioner run over at crossing sparks safety concerns (From Surrey Comet)

Pensioner run over at 'dangerous' crossing in West Barnes Lane, Raynes Park, sparks safety concerns

4:37pm Tuesday 8th November 2011 in News By Omar Oakes

Safety concerns about a ‘dangerous’ level crossing have been raised in the wake of a pensioner being mown down by a lorry.

The 66-year-old man was airlifted to hospital at about midday on Monday, November 7 after being struck at the railway crossing in West Barnes Lane, near Raynes Park Station.

The lorry’s driver has been arrested as part of a police investigation and has not been charged as this story was published.

A London Ambulance spokeswoman said the man was taken to St George’s Hospital and was given pain relief, but his injury is not thought to be life-threatening.

The news reported on our website sparked several complaints from residents that the crossing was badly designed and was a safety hazard that needed to be addressed by Merton Council.

Ben Mole, who lives in Raynes Park, said: “I’ve been saying for ages that something happen because, if you don’t know this area, it’s extremely dangerous for cars passing through.

“There are no lights and it’s not clear whose right of way it is when you’re up against oncoming traffic.”

Another resident commented: “I knew this would happen eventually, it is a mess of a junction since the parties concerned refuse to improve pedestrian safety.

"Let’s hope the gentleman makes a full recovery and the driver is brought to justice if found to be negligent.”

The council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: "Safety is high on our agenda and we are concerned to learn that a pedestrian has been injured on our roads.

“We await the outcome of the police investigation to understand the cause of the collision and decide on the best course of action."

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