Petition to Essex County Council for a push button traffic light pedestrian crossing to be installed in Ongar at the Four Wantz roundabout, following the tragic incident there on 10 July 2026.

Statement from the family of George Dennis:
"Highway authorities need to replace or amend the existing zebra crossing at the Four Wantz roundabout with push button pedestrian traffic lights or another controlled crossing system to make this crossing safer and help prevent another family from experiencing the devastating loss that ours has suffered.

This crossing is the only pedestrian route into Ongar from this side of the town making it an essential crossing for residents every day. It is located on a very busy roundabout with heavy traffic including large lorries and it must be made safer for everyone who needs to cross.

With primary schools now closed for the summer holidays more children will be out walking and crossing roads. This makes it even more important to improve safety before another tragedy occurs. Epping Forest District Council Essex Highways and the Government must invest in safer pedestrian crossings. We believe controlled crossings with push button traffic lights or some sort of system should become the standard at busy and high risk locations like this giving pedestrians enough time to cross safely while requiring drivers to stop. This road is SO dangerous and there are so many fatalities every year.

A zebra crossing is meant to protect people. In George's case it didn’t.

George was a perfect, special son, our baby brother, the best uncle, grandson, friend, and nephew. He was just 11 years old when he was tragically killed by a lorry on Friday 10th July while crossing at this zebra crossing. His death has devastated not only our family but everyone who knew and loved him. The entire Ongar community has been deeply affected. The town no longer feels the same without George and the pain of losing him will stay with us forever.

Nothing can bring George back but we believe his death must make meaningful change. No other family should have to endure this unimaginable heartbreak because a dangerous crossing was left unchanged.

This road is too dangerous. The volume of traffic particularly heavy goods vehicles travelling through Ongar raises serious concerns. We believe there should also be restrictions on lorries using this route where appropriate alongside improvements to pedestrian safety.

We are asking for this zebra crossing to be replaced with push button pedestrian traffic lights providing pedestrians with a controlled and safer way to cross while ensuring drivers stop at a traffic signal.

We need action now. We want George's name and legacy to live on by helping to prevent future tragedies and save lives. As a community we owe that to George. We owe it to every child every family and everyone who uses this crossing."

Sign the Petition:

To the powers that be in Essex County Council and elsewhere:

The petition of the people of Ongar and their friends, asks that urgent new road safety measures are introduced following the tragic death of George Dennis on Friday 10 July this year. The petitioners request that the following changes be made to keep other children and pedestrians in Ongar safe:

That there should be a push button traffic light pedestrian crossing or another suitable controlled crossing system at the Four Wantz roundabout, Ongar.

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1. Please fill in the form below to sign the petition (Required.)

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Petition to Essex County Council for a push button traffic light pedestrian crossing to be installed in Ongar at the Four Wantz roundabout, following the tragic incident there on 10 July 2026.

Question Title

* 1. Please fill in the form below to sign the petition (Required.)

Question Title

* 2. Please provide your address (if you choose not to provide the following data, your response cannot be authenticated and your signature will not be recorded): (Required.)

1. Please fill in the form below to sign the petition (Required.)

2. Please provide your address (if you choose not to provide the following data, your response cannot be authenticated and your signature will not be recorded): (Required.)