‘How can I get in trouble for keeping my kids safe?’ – Dad speaks out after painting red lines near Royston schools
Mark Snowden painted red lines on the pavement in Burns Road to stop children going too close to the edge. - Credit: Archant
A dad-of-three from Royston who painted red lines at a crossing near his children’s school has said he did so to ‘save children’s lives’.
The painted lines for children to stand behind. Picture: Mark Snowden - Credit: Archant
Mark Snowden went out at about 7.30pm on Thursday last week to paint the lines in Burns Road near Roman Way First School and Roysia Middle School.
He told the Crow: “I was on holiday from work and went to pick my kids up and saw that kids were right to the edge of the road.
“They congregate at the crossing and could fall. So I went out and painted the lines. It was the only way I could think of keeping them safe. The next day the kids were all standing behind the lines – away from the road.”
Mark’s daughters – Evie, five, and four-year-old Ruby – go to Roman Way First School and nursery, and he also has a two-year-old, Freya.
Mark said the lines worked as the next day children stood behind them. Picture: Mark Snowden - Credit: Archant
The 37-year-old said: “It worries me because they cross that road every day, and Freya will do as well in the future.
“I’ve cost the council and the taxpayer nothing, it helps keep children away from the danger.
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“It makes me feel a lot better that they are not so close to the edge. How can I get in trouble for keeping my kids safe?”
Electrician Mark has lived in the Burns Road area for 15 years with fiancée Becky.
“Becky thought I was going to get in trouble. I thought if I am going to get in trouble I’ll get in trouble for saving someone’s life,” he added.
A Herts County Council spokeswoman said: “We completely understand parents’ desire for their children’s safety. However, inappropriate and unauthorised signs such as this can be confusing for other road users.
“There is a school crossing patrol in place on Burns Road to supervise the safe crossing of children. The county council has received no recent reports of issues at this crossing.
“As the red line doesn’t cause offence or harm, it will not be a high priority for immediate removal. The area in question will be inspected on the regular rounds of our safety inspector.
“If parents and residents have concerns about road safety here, or anywhere else in the county, we would encourage them to contact the council directly.”
