MORE than 2,200 people have signed a petition to revamp a crossing on a dangerous road in Witney.

Campaigners have taken the petition to Oxfordshire County Council and hope the cash-strapped authority will make changes to the Oxford Hill crossing.

The stretch of road is notoriously dangerous and many drivers do not stop at the current crossing, campaigners have said.

Lynn Lane and her children – Andrew, five, and Harry, 21 months – were involved in an accident with a Citroen on the crossing in May.

The incident left burns on Andrew’s back and Harry’s face. Both children have now recovered.

Mrs Lane’s husband, Alex, 33, said he was almost hit last Wednesday as he returned from dropping the children off at school.

He said: “I got halfway across and the driver continued straight across, just paying no attention to the road.

“It highlights what is needed on that crossing.”

Campaigners are calling for the crossing to be converted to a raised crossing with lights.

Campaign co-ordinator Alfred Fullah said: “We are very concerned about vehicles driving that route without stopping.

“Eighty five per cent of the vehicles on the approach from the town through Oxford Hill drive at more than 35mph.

“It is dangerous and it is not good for the children.”

Mr Fullah said many school pupils use the crossing to get to nearby Wood Green School, Springfield School and The Blake Primary School.

The Blake Primary School has been actively involved in the campaign and pupils attended a protest at the crossing in July.

Mr Fullah said: “Every day people complain and ring me saying they have had a near miss or the car never stopped.

“Our worry is that there might be a fatal accident in the near future.”

Mr Fullah presented the petition to Oxfordshire County Council on September 13.

He and other campaigners knocked on doors and left the petitions in doctors surgeries and shops around Witney.

But he was still amazed by the level of support, saying: “It is absolutely fantastic. For me, this is democracy. The people have spoken by the petition.”

Mr Fullah hoped the petition would encourage the council to take action but said other options were available if the council did not.

He said: “We can take the petition to parliament or we can raise more awareness by peaceful demonstration.”

County council cabinet member for transport Rodney Rose said: “There is no budget for anything unless it does improve safety, and it has not been proved to me there is a safety risk at the moment.

“But we take any safety issues seriously and we are always looking into anything safety-wise.”

Mr Rose said changes to the crossing could cost £40,000.