North Road traffic accident

We were deeply saddened to learn that a Year 12 pupil at Highgate School died on Thursday 24th September in a traffic incident on her way to school. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family, her friends, and the whole school community at this heartbreaking time. We know this news has affected many people across our area, not just those connected to the school. While nothing can undo what has happened, we believe it is vital that as a community we are more determined than ever to see our roads and streets made safer. They have been woefully neglected.

There are seven separate school sites in the immediate Highgate area with pupils moving between sites during the day as well as at the start and end of the school day. Pedestrian crossings have fallen behind modern standards, including tragically outside St Michaels School where North Road carries 18,000 vehicles a day, yet the junction and crossing safety is outdated and inadequate for this volume of traffic.

Immediate steps have been taken such as increased crossing patrols, but  a professionally undertaken safety focused review is also badly needed to cover the roads, junctions, mini roundabouts and crossings, coordinated across the whole Highgate neighbourhood. This must lead to changes and actions. Earlier this year our Freedom of Information requests revealed that Haringey and Camden for over three years hadn’t even met each other to discuss safety issues or improvements to their shared roads. TfL must also step up to ensure a response that works across both boroughs, and play its part, including in meeting the funding needed.

We are engaging with local groups across the community and the relevant authorities and are determined to see our roads and streets made safer. They have been neglected for too long.

Here is a petition that has been put forward to Haringey Council by local parents and families which we would encourage you to add your name to if you’re comfortable to do so: 

ePetition – Make North Road (N6) Safe for Children: Urgent Road Safety Measures Outside Our Schools