Zebra crossings to go; Lib Dems say No

11.00.08pm GMT Sun 12th Nov 2006

Political Head of Highways at Essex County Council Rodney Bass has decided to change the zebra crossing in Victoria Road South to a signal-controlled puffin crossing. Cllr Keith Francis for the Liberal Democrats has attacked the decision and sought to overturn it because of the delay, threat to safety and inconvenience for pedestrians.

These problems will happen not just during the peak rush hour periods, but the remaining three quarters of the working day when the existing crossing has minimal if no detrimental effect on traffic flow. Any benefits in terms of easing traffic congestion do not compensate for the seriously detrimental effect on pedestrians.

The Liberal Democrats are also concerned about plans to remove the nearby zebra crossing across Victoria Road. Said Lib Dem Transport spokesman Cllr Keith Francis:

"The combined effect of the removal of that crossing and changing the southern one to lights will be far too much strain on this single remaining crossing. There are huge pedestrian flows between the station area and the largest part of the town centre area to the south-east.

"Proposals affecting these two crossings should be taken together because they impact on the same user group of pedestrians and their requirement to move efficiently along this very strong and highly used 'desire-line'.

"There has been a failure to take proper account of current and planned development proposals to the north & north-east of this junction. These developments will add substantially to pedestrian activity and its relationship with the town centre.

"Before any decision is taken, surveys should be undertaken of use of existing crossings and a proper examination of the ability or otherwise of the suggested single crossing to handle the foot traffic that would result. Such a review should take account of town planning proposals (eg development proposals), traffic reduction measures and safety matters. Alternative proposals should also be considered as the 'problem' only relates to 3 hours a day."