New type of pedestrian crossing to be installed at Royal Parade
A NEW kind of pedestrian crossing is to be put in place on Royal Parade to replace one which a city judge once described as "very hazardous".
The brand new 'countdown' signals crossing at Royal Parade, next to the Big Screen, is part of the next phase of revision work which has already included a high friction road surface and more visible 'bubble' tiles for pedestrians.
Plymouth City Council said this new type of crossing has been piloted in London with great success. They are designed to reduce uncertainty about when it is safer to cross.
The green man still signals the start of the crossing period but rather than then going to black before the red man appears, a countdown will show pedestrians exactly how long they have to cross the road. Work will begin on the crossing today.
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The changes to the crossing came about following the death of 88-year-old Hazel Edgerton who was hit by a lorry at the crossing in February 2010.
Driver Shaun Chaffe was later acquitted of killing the great-great-grandmother and trial judge Judge Francis Gilbert QC criticised the road set-up saying: "In my opinion, a major factor in this fatality was the layout and operation of this crossing. I do think it's a very hazardous junction for pedestrians at all times."
The crossing was built in 2004 to Department for Transport standards to make it safer and easier for pedestrians to cross Royal Parade, according to a council statement released after the trial.
It replaced a subway with steep ramps that were difficult for elderly and disabled people to negotiate.
Following the trial, then council leader Vivien Pengelly confirmed transport officers would review the layout and operation of the crossing, which links the Civic Centre and Guildhall with the Piazza.
Speaking today about the new phase of improvements, Councillor Mark Coker, cabinet member for transport said: "The Royal Parade pedestrian crossing is very busy and we want it to be as safe as possible for people to use.
"These new signals have been tested in crowded areas in London and have proven popular, they give people more information about exactly when they should or shouldn't try to cross the road."
A leaflet showing how the new crossing will look is available on the council's website at www.plymouth.gov.uk.
Comments
by CharlieDodd
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 10:57PM
“The Royal Parade crossing is lethal enough for anybody, but it's russian roulette for those on crutches, in wheelchairs, the elderly, partially sighted, mothers with toddlers and pushchairs, forced to cross at the whim of a little red man, (he reminds me of Evans). Nobody ever got run over in the underpass..;)”
by mcspredder
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 9:21PM
“The Russian roulette mentality of the Plymouth pedestrian at crossings could be complemented by making it optional also for drivers to stop when shown a red light. That would concentrate some minds.”
by Dev52
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 5:04PM
“I don't know when everyone else used the subway but it certainly didn't feel safe at night, and stank of urine.
Put away those rose-tinted glasses.”
by CharlieDodd
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 3:21PM
“The underpass was wide, bright and breezy, and its historic mosaic murals which lined the walls were a much-loved tourist attraction, so naturally Evans and his lefty council filled it in, gleefully destroying the murals in the process, and replacing it with the lethal crossing.
The murals can still be seen on the net (google plymouth underpass murals)”
by pogle63a
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 12:12PM
“The Council will never re-instate the much safer subway as it would be an admission that they messed up in the first place by having it filled in. Too stubborn to admit their mistake despite costing lives.”
by DoNotBook
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 12:05PM
“I remember the Subway well, I used to get a 6" but now I go for a footlong.
When this is over we should get an apartment together.”
by Plymouthking
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 11:57AM
“bring back the subway - its what the people want...!
The council should ASK the people what they want - get a definite answer and do that!
BRING BACK THE SUBWAY - DISREGARD THE 'MACCY' Plan - he lives in Spain what does he care!”
by puffing_billy
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 11:53AM
“Just how much of our Council Tax are they going to spend to trying to protect people from their own stupidity. The crossing is NOT unsafe (although the subway WAS a lot safer) - the way some people use it IS unsafe. Having countdown symbols on the lights just encourages people to try and beat the clock.”
by Laid_Back
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 11:33AM
“People are in too much of a hurry, we should all try and be more laid back. Wait till the cars have stopped completely then stroll across. If you have to wait for the next change so what? Does a minute here or there make that much difference?”
by JamieQ1
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 9:55AM
“Tim - I normally agree with your opinions, but not this time. I'm really glad this is being changed. I've seen countdown crossings in Canada and they work really well. The trouble is with all the current crossings is that the green man pops up for just seconds and if you are fit/walk quickly/jog a bit, there is usually time to cross and come back again before the cars even get an amber light. It's taken them a bit too long to act, but hopefully this will be the end to this saga.”