Highgate student's death prompts safety review on North Road
An e-petition demanding safety measures has gathered over 3,200 signatures following a fatal collision.
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The headline uses strong language like 'Urgent safety measures' demanded, which is supported by the petition's content.
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An e-petition calling for safety improvements on North Road in Highgate has gathered more than 3,200 signatures following the death of a 16-year-old student. Melissa Premaratne died on September 24 after being involved in a collision with a car on North Road, near St Michael's Primary School and on her way to Highgate School. Her family described her as "a light in our lives and an amazing person" who will be missed "deeply, every single day", according to This Is Local London. Highgate School confirmed she was a Year 12 pupil.
Calls for action
A10 traffic halted by overturned police car near Church Street
Live coverage shows the incident blocking the road and prompting police to clear the scene while drivers seek alternative routes
The e-petition, which opened on the day of the collision, is requesting that Haringey Council fund a school crossing patrol for busy drop-off and pick-up times. Organisers are also seeking an independent road safety review of North Road, with permanent improvements such as signal-controlled traffic lights. Additional requests include more traffic-calming measures, reduced speed limits, speed cameras where appropriate, and ongoing collaboration between the council, schools, parents, and residents on a long-term safety strategy. Petitioners stated that Melissa's death has "shocked our community" and claimed that existing safety measures are inadequate for an area serving multiple schools and numerous pedestrians.
Haringey's cabinet member for transport, Cllr Gio Iozzi, expressed horror at the news and offered condolences to Melissa Premaratne's family and the wider school community. "We have commissioned an urgent traffic and safety review on the North Road and will continue to engage with parents, the school and the local community," Cllr Iozzi said, as reported by This Is Local London. The council confirmed it would assist the police with their investigation into the incident. The driver involved stopped at the scene.
Next steps
Mill Hill Road Blocked After Crash
Traffic disruption reported on a busy route near local amenities.
A 68-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been bailed pending further inquiries, according to This Is Local London. The e-petition is scheduled to remain open for signatures until March 31, 2027, and can be accessed via Haringey Council's online e-petition service.
Questions this report answers
+What prompted the calls for safety measures on North Road?
The calls for safety measures on North Road were prompted by the fatal collision on September 24 that resulted in the death of 16-year-old student Melissa Premaratne. This incident led to an e-petition demanding improvements.
+What specific safety measures are being requested?
Organisers of the e-petition are requesting a school crossing patrol, an independent road safety review of North Road, permanent improvements like signal-controlled traffic lights, more traffic-calming measures, lower speed limits, and speed cameras.
+What action has Haringey Council taken?
Haringey Council has commissioned an urgent traffic and safety review on North Road. The council has also offered support to the school and stated its intention to continue engaging with parents, the school, and the local community.
WE FILE
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