Petition calls for temporary crossing near East Croydon railway station after people “forced to play chicken” with cars

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Calls for a temporary crossing near East Croydon railway station have been made after people said they had been forced to “play chicken” with oncoming cars.

The petition, to Croydon Council and signed by almost 500 people, asks for a crossing to be installed at the corner of Cherry Orchard Road and Billinton Hill Road.

It said a temporary one was needed until a new permanent one is provided once flats, currently under construction, are completed.

There was previously a traffic light crossing at the point which was removed for building work to take place.

Menta is behind the £350million Morello development of nearly 800 flats near the station.

The second phase, currently under construction, is for 456 flats across three buildings.

Councillor for Addiscombe West, Sean Fitzsimons, backs the petition.

He said: “It is dangerous to cross there, particularly for people coming from the station side.

“Drivers can’t see people stepping out onto the road because of the hoardings.”

The petition reads: “The lack of crossing … has meant that the hundreds of commuters crossing the road in this location face playing chicken with oncoming cars, and at least one person has already been hit.”

A spokesperson for Croydon council said: “A new permanent crossing is set to be installed as part of this development.

“We are however aware that local residents are keen for a temporary solution in the meantime, and we will raise this issue with the developers.”

The developer, Menta, was contacted for comment.

Pictured top: Calls have been made for a temporary pedestrian crossing near East Croydon railway station (Picture: Tara O’Connor)