In the early evening of February 11, Fionn Smith was struck by a car on his way home from nursery in Balmoral Road.
His mum Jessica was walking with Fionn, who was riding on his balance bike at around 5pm.
“We had to cross Balmoral Road to get home and as we crossed the road, a car decided to cut in ahead of us and it hit him,” Jessica told the Recorder.
“Fortunately it didn’t hit him head-on – it hid him on the side and he was knocked flying off his bike and the car sped off without stopping.”
Despite Fionn being “scared”, Jessica said he “miraculously only had some cuts and grazes”.
One member of the public photographed the car’s numberplate and Jessica was able to file a police report.
The Met Police confirmed that “enquiries are ongoing”.
She believes the crash could have been avoided had Newham Council implemented an LTN proposal which was discussed in 2023.
“It made me angry because if that LTN had been in place, my son wouldn’t have been hit by a car on his way home from nursery.
“I’m not telling people what they can and can’t do but I am asking for the council to revisit their plans and I’m asking what the solutions are to making our streets safer.
“I would like the council to revisit their proposal for an LTN.”
The council said that at no time has the proposed LTN been cancelled.
Jessica said that she had met with Councillor Madeleine Sarley Pontin who had explained that an LTN was still in the council’s plans but could provide no update on a timeframe for actions.
Jessica added: “I’m concerned that it is two years since they made those proposals and nothing has changed to improve road safety.
“Obviously there’s feedback that they must take into account but I want them to make changes because the status quo isn’t safe.”
Shortly after Fionn was struck by the car, Jessica started a petition to accelerate plans for the LTN which has since received more than 500 signatures.
A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident involving a young child in Balmoral Road earlier this month – and are relieved and thankful that the outcome was not more serious.
“Newham Council takes road safety extremely seriously, which is why we are committed to bringing down the speed limit (to 20mph) across the borough and introducing LTNs where appropriate.
“The future development of LTNs is included in our three-year local implementation plan funding request to Transport for London (TfL).
“We expect to be able begin the selection and prioritisation of the next tranche of LTN schemes once funding is awarded from TfL.”
Cllr John Morris, deputy cabinet member for highways and sustainable transport, added: “Our Just Transition Plan highlights our intention to develop a network of low-traffic neighbourhoods, with the aim of achieving our goal where 90 per cent of all local trips involve walking, cycling and public transport.
“We welcome this petition. All feedback from our residents helps form an evidence base to inform decision-making about the low traffic neighbourhood in due course.”
To view Jessica’s petition, visit change.org/p/accelerate-newham-council-s-plans-for-a-low-traffic-neighbourhood-in-the-woodgrange-capel.
