£50,000 Zebra crossing installed in controversial shared space

[dutchman]

A £50,000 zebra crossing has been installed at a controversial shared space in Coventry a year after traffic lights and street signs were removed to make it clutter-free.



The new crossing, by the Old Grammar School in Hales Street, is where pensioner David Thompson, of Holbrooks, was hit by a bus in January.

The 71-year-old man suffered multiple injuries and died a month later in hospital.

Coun Lindsley Harvard (Lab, Longford), cabinet member for city services, has always advocated the safety credentials of shared spaces.

Asked if there was a direct connection between the fatal accident and the new crossing, he said: "The only connection there may be is that it may have affected people's perception of safety."

And asked why a zebra crossing did not feature in the original plans for the junction, he said: "Initially we were happy with the situation we had, but we are constantly listening to people and responding to perceptions.

"We want people to be as happy as they can.

"It was fine before but people seem to want that extra reassurance.

"We think we are making things better all the time."

Another zebra crossing has also been installed in Gosford Street, and 13 more are planned.

The first shared spaces were introduced in Coventry a year ago amid claims they would boost pedestrian safety.

Traffic lights and street signs were removed at eight junctions, supposedly forcing motorists and pedestrians to pay more attention and a 20mph speed limit was introduced.

And when five more schemes were approved last month, Coun Harvard declared at a meeting: "These junctions have changed the psychology of drivers and how they are being used by drivers is much safer.

"The city centre is much more pedestrian friendly."

The newest shared space junctions will be introduced next to the Council House where High Street meets Little Park Street, Pool Meadow bus station, Spon Street outside St John the Baptist Church, Little Park Street police station and Corporation Street near the Belgrade Theatre.

The £2.8million plan also includes a new access road for more buses into Pool Meadow, improved pedestrian crossings near the Whittle Arches and the removal of a bus gate outside Ikea.

Medieval Spon Street will be repaved and better street lighting installed.

[rebbonk]

An accident waiting to happen

[dutchman]

As luck would have I saw the new crossing being used this afternoon, shoppers seem to like it?

Another is needed across the bottom of the Burges.

£50,000 sounds a lot though, are they made with real zebras?