ROAD bosses are vowing a “full investigation” into safety measures on a busy stretch of road after a campaigning mum handed them a 941-name petition.

Mum-of-two Maria Hutchinson is calling for a pelican crossing on a busy road in Netley Abbey and hopes that her petition will force Hampshire County Council to reconsider installing the safety measure.

Before presenting it she made a passionate deputation at a full council meeting.

Her campaign was prompted after Maria’s daughter’s 12-year-old friend was hit by a car on the road in October.

She said: “This incident could have easily been fatal. Please don’t wait for more accidents or a fatality before committing funding.”

About 300 children must use Hound Way, which becomes Hound Road, to get to Hamble Community Sports College from the Netley Abbey and Butlocks Heath areas.

Maria said that there have been numerous accidents and near-misses on the road over the years.

Although there is a courtesy crossing with a dropped kerb and bollards, Maria – whose children Emma, 11, and James, 14, attend Hamble Community Sports College – said that this is ineffective as some students still try to cross the road elsewhere.

Maria said: “No school child should be forced to cross such a busy 40mph on their way to school.

“Please build our pelican crossing now and protect the lives of our children who have no other option but to cross this road.”

Maria said her campaign has also won backing from Hound Parish Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, MP Mike Thornton and governors at Hamble Community Sports College and Netley Abbey Junior School.

But after her plea, economy, transport and environment boss Councillor Seán Woodward said he would be taking action.

Daily Echo: Sean Woodward.

Cllr Sean Woodward

He said: “I have asked for a full investigation to be carried out shortly to ascertain whether the requirements for a controlled crossing are met. It is crucial that the criteria are met as inappropriately sited, little-used crossings have a worse record for accidents than no crossing at all as drivers become used to seldom stopping at them. I am grateful to Mrs Hutchinson for her helpful presentation.”