‘Missing’ signs due at ‘treacherous’ crossing

Pedestrian crossing signs missed off a Holbeach road redevelopment will finally be installed – but the move isn’t enough for campaigners.

Holbeach resident and A17 crossing safety campaigner Paula Hayes said in The Voice (March 29, 2018) that she was disappointed a housing development was refused by a planning committee in part concerned about the safety of people crossing the road.

Coun Richard Davies, Lincolnshire County Council executive member for highways, said: “Although South Holland District Council refused the application and the SHDC planner mentioned that the Swepstones development might mean more people crossing the busy A17, the bigger issue seemed to be that the development would result in more vehicles on the road.”

During the Peppermint Junction works, which were completed last year, more than 800 people signed a petition to make crossing the A17 safer, with suggestion including installing barriers.

Coun Davies said: “We received and considered the petition to install a crossing point near Boston Road roundabout when it was proposed in 2016. However, as part of the design process for the Peppermint Junction improvement project, a safety audit was carried out and no concerns about the pedestrian crossing facilities were identified.

“As a result, instead of introducing new pedestrian crossings, we decided to remove the crossing west of the roundabout and improve those to the north and east.

“These improvements, which included widening the islands and clearing vegetation, have meant better visibility in both directions compared to the old crossing west of the roundabout. Of course, the safest option for crossing the A17 is to use the Penny Hill Road pedestrian subway just east of the roundabout.”

However, Paula saId the subway isn’t an attractive option for pedestrians.

“The pedestrian subway is dangerous, secluded, unlit, often flooded and people fear for their safety using it, particularly when it’s dark. People cross the A17 instead as they feel it is safer than the subway. These points were viewed at every consultation meeting prior to the Peppermint Junction development.

“I defy any member of the council, no matter how big or self-assured they think they are, to walk along Cherry Lane and through the underpass alone in the dark and then tell me that they feel completely safe doing so.”
Mrs Hayes also said the safety problem has only been moved. “It has simply moved the same issues to the other side of the roundabout and has made it more treacherous to cross due to the double lane introduced to both sections of road, where vehicles can overtake at high speed.

“Clearing the vegetation has made little difference to the pedestrians as we can’t move off the road quick enough for overtaking vehicles.”

Paula also highlighted the fact that pedestrian crossing signs in the original plans haven’t yet been put up.

Coun Davies said: “We’ve notified the contractor about the missing pedestrians crossing signs, and these will be installed in the near future.”

Mrs Hayes said she doesn’t feel the blame lies with the contractor. “Has the council not checked the work? Someone within the council is responsible for checking and signing off the work,” she said.

Coun Davies said: “We’re always grateful to people who highlight potential improvements to our road network. Those wanting to suggest an improvement or fault, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/faultreporting or call 01522 782070.”