Lliswerry councillor's warning as Newport crash schoolboy recovers (From South Wales Argus)

Lliswerry councillor warns of danger road as Newport crash schoolboy recovers

9:00am Monday 14th January 2013 in News By Emma Mackintosh

AS A schoolboy recovers in hospital after being hit by a car on the Southern Distributor Road last week, a Newport councillor warns of the danger to children crossing the road.

The 11-year-old Lliswerry High School pupil suffered serious head injuries after being hit by a grey Fiat Stilo car while crossing the road on Friday afternoon.

As the Argus went to print Gwent Police confirmed that staff at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales were hoping to take the boy, who suffered head injuries, off a ventilator and out of intensive care.

Member for Lliswerry ward Councillor Allan Morris told the Argus he wished the boy a speedy recovery, but said crossing the four-lane road required "extreme caution".

"I have always had concerns about that road," explained Cllr Morris, who said he has written about the subject more than 50 times in his 'Grassroots' column for the Argus.

"It is a fast-moving dangerous road to cross. It is so important that it is crossed via the safest route."

Cllr Morris said there are footbridges crossing the road which he described as "faster than normal".

When asked if the road required a lower speed limit or more signs, Cllr Morris said: "It is what it is, it is supposed to be a high speed road across Newport.

"If signs went up it could encourage more kids to cross the road. Everybody needs to use extreme caution and use the crossing points - don't take a risk."

Motorists should be "extra vigilant" at school times, Cllr Morris said.

"Anyone crossing that road coming from near the high school, the only way to cross safely is via that footbridge," he said.

"Vehicles are moving a lot quicker than you think and parents can show by example, by not taking risks when crossing."