Fearing for the safety of hundreds of school children, Langford residents have launched a petition calling for urgent safety improvements to be made to Preston Way.
Described as having no sidewalks, “riddled” with large ditches and inadequate lighting, Kelly Richards, the Langford resident leading the petition, has warned that it is only “a matter of time before something tragic happens” on Preston Way.
“Our children, hundreds of them, walk this route every day to Ruth King Elementary and Spencer Middle schools,” Richards said in her petition. “The worrying state of our street presents a risk of injury. The poor lighting exposes us to potential assaults and limits safe street parking.”
According to Richards, the City of Langford has only shown apathy to the concerns raised, and in a recent update, the City’s engineering department has told her there are no plans for any new sidewalks or street lights.
The Preston Way resident has called the City “negligent.”
“It was said very clearly that they had no intention on updating any of the streets, they are leaving it to developers,” Richards told Efteen.
As of Thursday, Aug. 29, 133 people have pledged their support to the campaign.
" ... there are no safe/designated spaces for kids and families to walk," said Amber Sorenson in a post on the online petition. "Sidewalks and lights are way overdue in this fast growing municipality."
The petition is appealing for immediate action from the City to install safe sidewalks on Preston Way, effective street lighting and facilities that cater to the needs of all pedestrians, including wheelchair users.
"We're not asking for anything extraordinary," Richards continues. "Simply the provision of basics that make a neighbourhood safe and friendly for all its residents."
The City of Langford was approached for comment.
To find out more about the petition, go to: www.change.org/p/implement-safety-measures-on-preston-way-sidewalks-culverts-and-street-lights
