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Video: Mother campaigns after son killed
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| Matthew Hobbs |
THE MOTHER of an 11-year-old boy who died after being hit by a bus at a busy junction is campaigning for it to be changed.
Matthew Hobbs was killed on January 9 on his way to school as he was crossing Princes Road at the junction with Darenth Road, Dartford.
His mother, Valerie, of Brent Lane, Dartford, is campaigning to get extra safety barriers put up from the pedestrian crossing in Princes Road along the road to the crossing in Darenth Road.
She also wants the current barriers, opposite Darenth Road, moved forward and straightened as they are at an angle.
The 49-year-old said: "If you want to cross the road towards Brooklands Lake, you have to hop across onto the traffic island, and if you are going the other way after crossing the traffic island you end up in no man's land, in front of the barrier."
She said she would also like the traffic lights to be arranged in a way which will stop the buses from passing each other as they cross the junction.
Mrs Hobbs added: "The buses are so blind to each other, the drivers have to concentrate very closely."
The practice nurse has already spoken to the leader of Dartford Council, Councillor Jeremy Kite, who has offered to help and is planning a meeting with bus company, Fastrack.
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| Valerie Hobbs |
She added: "I really feel quite strongly, I don't want my son's life to be wasted, he is too precious for that.
"I think the memorial for Matthew will be to get this junction right, Matthew's legacy will be in the right place.
"It won't bring my son back but it will mean something positive so for many people who use the junction."
A spokesman for Kent County Council, which is responsible for the junction said: "The police did not consider the highway to be contributory to this incident but have made some suggestions about improving safety.
"Kent Highway Services is now considering how these can best be implemented."
5:23pm Wednesday 16th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Mina on 5:54pm Wed 16 Apr 08
I hope that Kent Council back your idea as this will be as you say a fitting memorial to your precious son. Good luck!
I hope that Kent Council back your idea as this will be as you say a fitting memorial to your precious son. Good luck!
Posted by: Erastus Piggott, Bexley on 6:10pm Wed 16 Apr 08
Let's hope these changes can be implemented forthwith.
If Valerie would like the use of my blog as a petition, it is hers to do so.
Our thoughts and support are with you.
[bold]Erastus[/bold]
Let's hope these changes can be implemented forthwith.
If Valerie would like the use of my blog as a petition, it is hers to do so.
Our thoughts and support are with you.
Erastus Posted by: Alan w, Bexleyheath on 7:50am Thu 17 Apr 08
I wish you every success with your campaign. Your Son would be proud of you. x
I wish you every success with your campaign. Your Son would be proud of you. x
Posted by: Mark, dartford on 9:18am Thu 17 Apr 08
Wishing you all the best with your campaign.let's hope others will learn from your tragic loss.
Wishing you all the best with your campaign.let's hope others will learn from your tragic loss.
Posted by: Sunny, London on 10:14am Thu 17 Apr 08
Good luck. You are a very brave lady and I cannot imagine what you must be going through. Such a lovely looking boy, such a loss. All the best to you, your family and your project.
Good luck. You are a very brave lady and I cannot imagine what you must be going through. Such a lovely looking boy, such a loss. All the best to you, your family and your project.
Posted by: Lizzielooloo on 10:43am Thu 17 Apr 08
Mrs Hobbs you are a wonderful brave woman and I too wish you every success in your campaign
Mrs Hobbs you are a wonderful brave woman and I too wish you every success in your campaign
Posted by: Steve, Dartford on 10:10am Sat 19 Apr 08
I use this junction a lot either as a driver or pedestrian and find it a nightmare even in broad daylight and Im 48 !! Good luck with the campaign, but talk to Jeremy Kite...I have on a number of occasions and he gets things done.
I use this junction a lot either as a driver or pedestrian and find it a nightmare even in broad daylight and Im 48 !! Good luck with the campaign, but talk to Jeremy Kite...I have on a number of occasions and he gets things done.
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