In 2021 residents called for pedestrian crossings to be installed at the crossroads
A busy Coventry crossroads is set to finally get pedestrian crossings that residents have campaigned for since 2021. People have long complained about the lack of help for people wanting to cross the road at the junction of Sewall Highway and Blackberry Lane.
It was back in April 2021 that those living nearby called for the crossings as they did not feel safe. The junction has seen five collisions in just three years, including one involving a pedestrian.
Currently only traffic lights occupy the junction to stop cars, but a lack of signal controlled crossing means residents have to second-guess when it is going to change to green, according to petition organiser Ian Rogers.
Ian, founder of Coventry Citizens Party, said: “Residents have told us they don’t feel safe or comfortable crossing that road as you have to guess when the light is going to change. If you come to the lights and you are about to cross and it’s red you daren’t step out in case it suddenly turns green."
He has also sent a letter to Coventry City Council to ask why a new crossing has not been installed yet despite starting resurfacing works.
When asked for comment by CoventryLive, a spokesman for the city council said: "The above location will be upgraded this financial year. A design of the new arrangement has been completed and has gone to our signal contractor for procurement of equipment.
"All signal equipment will be replaced, and pedestrian facilities will be included in the new system. Tactile paving will be installed to each pedestrian crossing point along with audible and tactile indicators to the push buttons to assist the visually impaired.
"We intend to start in the very near future as to date our contractor is still awaiting delivery of signal equipment."
Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2023 7:52 pm