Dear Sir,
The councillor who proposes a further light controlled crossing on Central Avenue should be applauded and supported by those of all parties on the Town and County councils.
I am aware of one crossing on Central Avenue, at present, from the fire station to the magistrates court.
I do hope children are aware of the green cross code and encouraged by both parents, guardians and schools of the need to use the code to cross the roads safely.
I would encourage the proposing councillor to go further and seek to install more light controlled crossings on the town.
As I wait to meet my grandson from Byerley Park school I watch nervously as traffic, of all classes, on Greenfield Way, approaching the mini-roundabout junction at speeds well above the 20mph limit which is imposed and indicated by part time signs with flashing amber lights. Byerley Park primary school does not benefit from having a school crossing patrol.
A similar 20mph zone with flashing lights is installed on Central Avenue and, from my experience as a nearby resident can confirm the speed limit is clearly not adhered to. A school crossing patrol serves Vane Road, St Mary’s primary and Woodham Secondary schools.
Drivers (in the main) do respond to traffic control systems but, as the evidence is clear for all to see, 20mph zones have little or no effect in slowing traffic.
Correct and considered positioning of light controlled pedestrian crossings will make the town safer for pedestrians, in particular the young and aged, and will also provide the town with traffic calming measures which it so badly needs.
Whilst I am appalled at the policies and views of the national Liberal Democrats party I believe the Lib Dems who represent residents on the town and county councils do so in the interests of their constituents and, on an issue of safety, would expect politicians of all parties to support the installation of a light controlled crossing on Central Avenue, Greenfield Way and on any road which presents a hazard to pedestrians and is supported by local residents.
It would be interesting to know if Mr Snowball is the same correspondent who criticised the implementation of another road safety measure when the A167 50mph speed limit was introduced.
R Clarke
Welbury Grove