A pelican crossing and traffic lights will be installed at a notorious accident blackspot, after people power kicked Transport for London into action.

Malden Road in Cheam has been plagued with crashes and near-misses over the years, with the road’s zebra crossing proving ineffective in slowing down motorists.

Following a campaign from resident group the Malden Road Assocation, and Cheam Councillor Mary Burstow, Transport for London (TfL) initially agreed to build a pelican crossing in October, only to then push the date to February next year.

An angry response from residents, ward councillors, and GLA members has led to the decision being reversed, with the new crossing now set to be built by the end of the month.

Malden Road has featured heavily in the Sutton Guardian over the years, with the number of crashes in the area piling up all the time.

In June a biker was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being knocked down by a lorry.

In December last year 12-year-old Jade Hannigan was left with a broken sternum after she was struck by a car near the same crossing.

When members of the Malden Road Association carried out a survey of the crossing, they found 11 cars went through it without stopping while people were either crossing or waiting to cross.

A Sutton Council spokesperson said: "We carried out a comprehensive traffic survey along the full length of Malden Road at five different locations during March 2014. 

"A pedestrian survey was also done at three different locations in June 2014. For this survey we worked with the Malden Road residents group, parents and councillors.

"As a result, Transport for London has decided to change the Zebra Crossing near to the junction with Chatsworth Road to a Pelican Crossing.

"The work is due to commence in late November and be completed before Christmas." 

Is it about time they built a pelican crossing in Malden Road? Leave a comment below.