21-07-2025
‘It's scary': Residents call for traffic safety review after fatal crash in west London
Residents in the Oakridge neighbourhood are calling for immediate traffic safety measures following a fatal motorcycle crash last week at Hyde Park Road and Fitzwilliam Boulevard.
Neighbours say the intersection has long been a safety concern, and they've now launched a petition urging the city to take action.
'There have been ongoing issues at this intersection, especially for the last couple of years,' said area resident Pam Coulstring, whose home backs onto Hyde Park Road.
Coulstring and neighbour Julia Da Fonseca started the petition in the wake of the crash, which happened just before 7 p.m. July 16. The motorcyclist involved died later in hospital. Police say the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
'To ask the city to reassess, to implement safety measures at the intersection of Hyde Park and Fitzwilliams Boulevard,' said Coulstring.
hyde park safety
A petition created by Pam Coulstring and Julia Da Fonseca calling for immediate traffic safety measures along Hyde Park Road, seen on July 21, 2025. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London)
Retired paramedic Ron Liersch, whose house also back onto Hyde Park, said he's witnessed multiple accidents in the area, including one that damaged his property.
'There's been at least three other accidents. I had part of our wall taken out by an accident about a year ago, and it's really dangerous,' Liersch said.
Residents say street racing and speeding are common, especially at night.
'Volume, speed — you'll hear them reaching down any time after 10 p.m. until 1 in the morning. They're racing up and down Hyde Park,' said Liersch.
Bill Tucker, director of education with the Thames Valley District School Board and a longtime resident, said the concerns are valid.
HYDE PARK SAFETY
The intersection of Hyde Park Road and Fitzwilliam Boulevard. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London)
'It's scary, to be honest with you. And with grandchildren around, we have to make sure that we're holding hands and that we're with them crossing at the lights,' said Tucker. 'We've really noticed a pick-up in the speed and the traffic in this neighbourhood.'
Ward 8 Coun. Steve Lehman said he's aware of the issue and has been in contact with city staff.
'I work constantly with our roads, our traffic folks, to see how we can mitigate these concerns and work toward a safer city,' said Lehman.
The petition calls for a traffic calming assessment and will be submitted to city hall for consideration.
