Measures to try to improve road safety near the site where a schoolboy was killed on his was the school do not go far enough, his dad has said.

Harry Parker was hit in a suspected hit and run on Akers Way, near Nova Hreod Academy, last year.

Swindon Borough Council has announced that the Academy is one of 20 schools across the borough that will be included in the third phase of the school road safety programme.

Over the next few weeks, flashing school warning signs indicating a 20mph speed limit during drop-off and collection times, along with associated SLOW road markings will be installed along Akers Way.

Swindon Advertiser: The scene of the suspected Akers Way hit-and-run that took the life of Nova Hreod Academy pupil Harry Parker as he walked to school, with his destination visible in the backgroundThe scene of the suspected Akers Way hit-and-run that took the life of Nova Hreod Academy pupil Harry Parker as he walked to school, with his destination visible in the background (Image: Newsquest)

Responding to the announcement of the plans, Mr Parker said: "Not a bad start but more is needed than flashing lights."

Read More: Akers Way: Harry Parker's family to launch road safety campaign

The football-mad 14-year-old's father has recently announced his intention to start a road safety campaign in Harry's name but has now shared more details. 

"We've had a meeting with police, councillors and the school and we've now 'Harry's get home safely' campaign. We are focussing on getting all schools across the country 20mph zones.

"Then we will look at what else we can do to eliminate or at least reduce the risk for children, like the routes they take."

Swindon Advertiser: The plans for new road safety measures on Akers Way outside Nova Hreod Academy, SwindonThe plans for new road safety measures on Akers Way outside Nova Hreod Academy, Swindon (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

Swindon Borough Council’s School Safe Environment Zones scheme was launched two years ago with the aim to deliver road safety and congestion improvements for schools across Swindon.

The five-year programme, which was agreed upon by the Council’s Cabinet in July 2020, has an annual budget of £100,000

The SSEZs include a package of measures that will encourage behavioural change and improve safety outside and in the area around the schools.

The design of each SSEZ is bespoke to the circumstances, characteristics and location of each school.

Council officers have been working with Nova Hreod Academy and local ward councillors since June 2022 on additional road safety measures on the approach to the school along Akers Way.

The latest road safety improvements were planned before the incident last November. 

Swindon Advertiser: Adam Parker (middle) has set up a campaign called 'Harry's get home safely' in honour of his late son Harry Parker (right) who died after being hit by a car outside of Nova Hreod Academy in November. Adam Parker (middle) has set up a campaign called 'Harry's get home safely' in honour of his late son Harry Parker (right) who died after being hit by a car outside of Nova Hreod Academy in November. (Image: Adam Parker)

Councillor Kevin Parry, the cabinet member for waste collection and disposal & highways maintenance, said: “The tragic death of young Harry Parker shocked the entire town and it is clear he will leave a big hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

“It also showed how dangerous our roads can be and the importance of road safety, particularly outside our schools. We don’t yet know the results of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Harry’s death, but when these are available we will assess if extra road safety measures need to be introduced.

“In the meantime, we have been working with Nova Hreod and local ward councillors through the School Safe Environment Zone scheme to plan the installation of the flashing signs and a 20mph speed limit during school pick-up and drop-off times, plus the extra road markings, to provide some extra awareness for motorists as they approach the school.”

A woman in her 50s was arrested following the alleged hit-and-run but has since been released. Police have confirmed that the investigation into Harry's death continues. 

Other schools benefitting from the scheme include, William Morris Primary, Churchward School, Great Western Academy, Westlea Primary School, Liden Primary School and the Chalet School, Crowdys Hill School, Brimble Hill School and Uplands School, Tadpole Lane and Tadpole Farm CE Primary School.

Also selected were Maranatha Christian School, Ferndale Community Primary School, Colebrook Junior School and Colebrook Infant Academy, St Leonards CE Primary School, Lawn Primary School, Rodbourne Cheney Primary School, Greenmeadow Primary School and Covingham Park Primary School.

Local residents living in streets around the listed schools can share their comments or concerns on the proposals by emailing ssez@swindon.gov.uk.

More information can be found by visiting the Council website: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/ssez.