A review of a busy junction near a Harrow school was not selected as a priority by councillors – despite claims it is a “miracle” there has not been a fatal accident.

Harrow Council’s transport and road safety advisory panel (TARSAP) chose not to reassess the non-signalised crossing at Pinner Road and George V Avenue close to Nower Hill High School.

This was despite representations from cycling groups, who said there needs to be greater protection for those travelling by bike or by foot at this site.

Veronica Chamberlain, chairman of the new Harrow Cycle Hub, explained many pupils who are cycling feel they need to use the pavement as a safety precaution while those using the crossing are “taking their lives in their hands”.

She referenced a letter of support from George Nagle, assistant headteacher at Nower Hill, which criticised the lack of pedestrian management at the crossing and the daily impact this has on students.

“They are left to read the traffic lights and make a dash for it when they feel it is safe to do so – it is a miracle we’ve not had a fatal accident at this junction,” Mr Nagle said.

A review of the system at this junction was proposed as part of the council’s local transport fund for 2021/22, which utilises grants from Transport for London.

The council hopes to secure £100,000 worth of funding, however, the Pinner Road-George V Avenue scheme, which would cost an estimated £40,000, was not selected as a priority by TARSAP at a meeting on Tuesday (March 2).

Instead, councillors approved proposals covering improved cycling and walking routes from Station Road to Kenton Road, a review of a bus junction at Roxeth Hill, Lower Road and Shaftesbury Avenue, a 20mph zone in Royston Park Road, and a dial-a-ride service in Harrow town centre.

Cllr John Hinkley (Con, Hatch End) pointed out previously proposed changes near Nower Hill were rejected by a resident consultation and suggested a clearer plan to support cycling would need to be put forward for the council to back it.

Ms Chamberlain explained improvements to the junction would enable cyclists to cross safely and join nearby cycling lanes while also provide much greater protection for pedestrians.