Road Safety

Traffic Schemes

Pedestrian crossings

We install or upgrade several pedestrian crossings, (i.e. zebra or signalled crossings) each year. Requests are often made by residents and each is examined on its individual merits. Many requests are not justified because of low levels of pedestrian movement.

The following factors are taken into consideration in assessing the need for a crossing:

The record personal injury accidents involving pedestrians
The volumes of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the potential for conflict between pedestrians and vehicles
The difficulty that pedestrians face from traffic speed and volumes
The length of time pedestrians have to wait before they can cross
Proximity of locations which attract pedestrian activity through the day, e.g. proximity to stations

Pedestrian crossing do have shortcomings and are not the answer in every cases. Motorists who use the road regularly tend to ignore crossings if not often used.

Similarly pedestrians can rely on the crossing and, rather than watching the traffic, assume that, because a 'green man' is showing, the traffic will stop. Both of these problems can result in an increased risk to pedestrians rather than a decreased risk.