With regard to the provision of a crossing; I am afraid the Council cannot introduce a pedestrian crossing at that location because the sight lines are not good enough. In other words pedestrians and vehicles approaching the crossing would not be able to see each other from a sufficient distance to allow vehicles to slow down and stop safely. However we recognise that this is the 'desire line' where people want to cross. That's why the engineers put a in flat top table as an informal crossing protected by speed cushions on either side of it to slow traffic down. A stretch of guard railing has been installed to encourage pedestrians to cross at the edge of the table where sightlines are best.

I accept that putting a crossing along this stretch does have it's own issues although the reasons cited - poor sight lines - do seem at odds with the statement in the opening paragraph that "Sight lines around the bend in the road have been improved, as has pedestrian safety". Personally I feel that the section of guard railing by the subway is tokenist at best. The pedestrian crossing issue exists along a 200m+ length of the road (from the corner of Hindseleys Place right down to the junction with Waldram Road) not just the 3m-4m opposite the subway entrance where the rails have been installed.

I'm afraid that other than extending the guardrailing to prevent people crossing too close to the bend there is little more we can do to improve the situation.

I had somewhat come to the view that this may actually be what is required. Such railings would protect pedestrians in the event of a similar accident by acting as an initial barrier to stop cars crossing the footpath. They would also shepherd pedestrians to a limited number of specific crossing points. Although this would undoubtedly annoy some pedestrians it would probably be better than the current situation where there is a crossing free for all and drivers cannot know where they will next encounter a pedestrian.

I have asked for parking enforcement in this area to be stepped up.

Thank you.

I would be grateful for your views on the points that I have made and very interested to hear the feedback you recieve from the police in respect of whether these are deemed to be personal injury accidents.

Yours sincerely