Street lighting pledge after schoolgirl was struck by car outside Rowley Regis station
New street lights have been installed outside Rowley Regis Railway Station after a schoolgirl was struck by a driver who did not see her crossing the road.
Olivia Kolek, aged 14, was crossing the previously dimly lit Station Road on New Year's Eve in 2021 when she was involved in a collision with a silver Mercedes at about 4.48pm.
At her inquest held earlier this month the Black Country Area Coroner Mrs Joanne Lees said that she would write to Sandwell Council requesting a review of the street lighting in the vicinity after witnesses said it was a dark street even when the lamps were switched on.
However since the hearing, the council, which is responsible for the borough's street lighting network, has confirmed that all the lights have been replaced as part of a major upgrading programme and that it would be carrying out a fresh check for any isolated spots soon.
The borough's highways chief Councillor Keith Allcock told the Express & Star: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Olivia’s family and friends following the conclusion of the inquest into this tragic case.
“We can confirm all street lights in Station Road were replaced last year as part of our ongoing street lighting upgrades around Sandwell. This includes one column close to where the collision happened in 2021 and the location of that column did not change when the new lights were installed.
“Following the coroner’s comments our highways team will complete a further check of the lighting layout to ensure there are no isolated spots on Station Road that do not meet the recommended illuminance levels.
“Once we receive the coroner’s letter, we will look closely at the details of her request to assess what further action may be needed and formally respond to the coroner.”
Mrs Lees recorded a conclusion that on the balance of probability the Ormiston Academy pupil who lived in Tipton died as a result of a road traffic collision.
Olivia's parents Izabela Maziakowska and Lucsaz Kolek described their only child as the "brightest star" following her death.