A petition has been launched calling for improved safety measures at a pedestrian crossing outside a school in Broadstairs, following a serious accident involving a teenage girl. The girl, named Maicey, was struck by a car on Friday morning near Charles Dickens School and was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London with fractures to her skull, spine, and pelvis, as well as a small bleed to the brain.
The incident occurred on Broadstairs Road between 8am and 8.20am, involving a grey BMW at the junction of Green Lane. An 83-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and is being questioned by police.
Local mother Lucy Allen started the petition to replace the existing zebra crossing with a puffin crossing, which features traffic lights and sensors to detect pedestrians. Mrs Allen, whose daughter attends a nearby school, said she was motivated by concerns over speeding traffic and children's safety. She also called for a fence on the corner of Fairfax Road to direct children towards the crossing.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Maicey and her family. The petition has garnered 134 signatures since Saturday afternoon. Mrs Allen plans to present it to local councils once it gains more momentum, emphasising that the issue cannot be ignored.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact them on 01843 222289 quoting reference 28-0256.
