A FATHER-of-two has told how his son was nearly hit by a car when it failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing in Northwich.

Stuart Collie, of John Brunner Crescent, was with his wife and two children when the incident occurred on November 24.

“We were on our way to Sainsbury’s in town when it happened,” said Stuart.

“I’d say we were about half way across the pedestrian crossing when an older gentleman in a blue Vauxhall Corsa decided that rather than waiting for us to cross, he would put his foot down and cut in front of us on the crossing.”

Although Stuart, wife Paula and three-year-old Thomas stopped, six-year-old Stevie carried on running across into the path of the impatient motorist.

Fortunately, Stuart was able to pull Stevie out of the car’s path just in time.
“I shouted very loudly at the driver,” said Stuart, “who again chose to completely ignore me and drive off.”

Witnesses were quick to see if Stevie was ok, telling him how lucky he was not to have been hurt.

“This person’s time might seem very important to him so he can get his shopping done five seconds earlier but my son’s life is something that I’m sure five seconds can wait for,” said Stuart.

“We could be sat in the hospital now wondering if our son would be alive tomorrow morning and the driver could be locked up being questioned by the police.

“If his excuse is that he didn’t see us, then I think it’s time he hands his licence back to the DVLA.

“Please slow down and think - crossings are there for a reason – next time you might not be so lucky.”

PCSO Caroline Stevens, of Northwich NPU, said: “Fortunately on this occasion the man and his family were extremely lucky and avoided being seriously injured.

“We would urge all motorists to pay full attention to the road and make sure that they approach pedestrian crossings with care.

“We also advise pedestrians to take extra care when using these crossings and to make sure that vehicles are fully stationary before crossing the road to help avoid any further incidents like this.”