Goodmayes junction is a ‘disaster waiting to happen’ for pedestrians

Action must be taken to improve safety at a “dangerous” Goodmayes junction, according to a resident.

Speaking at last week’s area committee five meeting at Barley Lane Primary School, Huxley Drive, Rachel Hodder said she regularly sees several cars jumping red lights to turn right from Barley Lane into High Road while the pedestrian crossing is green.

In August, a woman was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle and Ms Hodder said the junction was “a disaster waiting to happen”.

She added: “I only know of two serious incidents but I want to know how many there have been.

“Something has got to be done.”

She suggested changing the phasing of lights and installing CCTV cameras to catch drivers running red lights.

But a Redbridge Council highways officer said only police could enforce the offence with cameras and widening the junction to improve safety could cost £1million.

Committee chairman Cllr Barbara White said: “I’m sure we all realise money is short but you can’t put a price on a child’s life.”

Cllr Ali Hai suggested approaching Tesco, which has a superstore near the junction, for funding and Cllr Bob Littlewood asked to see the statistics in a report.

The council highways department was asked to look into options for safety improvements.