Good points Baboonery.
Also many drivers do not seem to recognise zebra crossings as legitimate crossings any more - even outside schools - they routinely honk their horns at the car that has just stopped/those that are crossing.

Another reason I like the pedestrian islands is that they do not back down in the 'whose road is it anyway' argument.
Cars are always having 'debates' with the islands along Perry Vale, and hopefully it is just the drivers' attitude that is lost.

If there is no longer room for an island, then the only other thing most drivers stop at is a red light (as in traffic light, not district). Since it has no other lights to synchronise with, a pelican crossing could be set to a near instantaneous response and be a useful crossing aid for all, and encourage pedestrians to stay on the pavement either side.

Other things that would help imo would be to include the Road in the 20mph zone (like we were offered oh so tantalisingly just a few years ago), and more speed tables rather than pimples (that achieve nothing).

Where was the public debate when they were deciding the new road changes/crossing facilities?