As Londondrz says, there are a "large volume of people coming up from the St. David's Road end of FH" who cross the road not at the pedestrian crossing. I live close by and regularly witness a large number of near misses between pedestrians and fast moving cars.
I suggest that the large number of people crossing indicate that the current situation is inadequate. The junction could be improved, and the wide downhill lane at the junction of Devonshire Rd. encourages speeding.
I know what you mean about the near-misses but honestly - speeding is only part of the problem. The other part is pedestrians who think that because they can see the car the driver can see them. I don't know how many times people have run out from a blind spot without making eye contact, thinking that it's more important to catch a train than to avoid becoming a hood ornament for a Volvo.
Totally agree Mr Numbers, both sides need to play their part
Pedestrians between the ages of 25 and 59 are the most likely to be killed or seriously injured on UK roads, accounting for 36% of all casualties
See - it is not the kids who are in most danger. The younger ones are just too damn fast and only get clipped. Nor the older generation - they are far too smart. It is normal people like me!
These figures are from the green cross man himself, who is apparently returning to tell us off again.
I guess he is a cheaper option than installing crossings.
Problem solved. Not.
Green Cross Code for grownups
While out walking last weekend I noticed there were a lot of works going on along Westwood Hill and down into Sydenham.
While not SE23 related, something they were using was.
The zebra crossing by the roundabout was out of use, so they had installed a temporary pedestrian crossing, complete with push button, WAIT light, and traffic control.
All the above on wheels, easily placed.
So it got me thinking. With all the discussion about if Perry Vale by the station needs a crossing. Would it not be possible to get the local council to experiment with the above mentioned style of crossing, to see if A/ its used B/ effective, and C/ could be the answer to the question so many have been asking. How do you make PV safer?
PS, I still wonder if a temporary narrowing with right of way, like the picture, would help.
[
attachment=3491]
I cross there twice each working day and sometimes with a buggy at weekends. I also drive through it often too. I think the crossing is fine as is.
Sure, a zebra or lights might be nice for a pedestrian, but I understand it wouldn't necessarily be safe given the lack of visibility to [irresponsible] traffic on the long bend.
Looking both ways and crossing with a bit of caution is fine - it's not *that* busy, and when it is, most of the traffic is queuing anyway and drivers usually let you cross.
I would prefer any spare money be used for a lift/ramps in the underpass than fiddling with the crossing.
I cross here every day and I can attest that it is a very dangerous crossing. Cars come down Perryvale at considerable speed and I can personally vouch for the fact that fewer than half use an indicator when they are turning from Perryvale into Waldram Place (despite the fact that it is technically a left turn). This is particularly dangerous for pedestrians attempting to cross Waldram Place.
A pedestrian crossing just outside the station entrance would force cars to slow down so that they couldn't subsequently take the Waldram Place turning like maniacs.
Interesting that 2 replies are polar opposite to each other.
A crossing would 'encourage' cars to take the corner slower at best, forcing is very difficult. But point taken.
Personally I have never had an issue crossing here in many years of living in the area. But respect the fact that others do.
Sadly the exit of the station itself is a shocking place to try and cross, and explains why visibility is poor and surprise is high. I would encourage people to cross on the straighter part of the road, especially at busy times.
All that aside, it would be interesting to see if someone with some oomph, could get a test crossing in place. Maybe the newly re-elected MP would have a say?
Agreed Stepover the cars turning at speed and without indicating into Waldram place add further interest to the task of trying to reach the station safely. I have also had close encounters with cars coming off the south circ. into Perryvale without either indicating or slowing down. I recently gave one the traditional sign to indicate my surprise at his reckless driving only to be regailed with repeated uses of the 'c' word. Charming I felt in the circumstances.
what we need to realise is that there is certain section of society that does not give a hoot. As demonstrated by a number of posters Inc. The one above. That corner is unsighted and usually taken at speed. Lying bleeding at the side of the road after being hit by a speeding car is the same with or without a pedestrian crossing. It is just not a safe place for a crossing at all.
what we need to realise is that there is certain section of society that does not give a hoot.
Trouble is, we have just put them in sole charge of the country for 5 years.
We'll be lucky if there are any pavements or speed limits left at the end of it, let alone crossings.
A pedestrian crossing just outside the station entrance would force cars to slow down
I think that's the crux of the problem - you can't *force* a wreckless driver to slow down, and the built up area and long sweeping bend gives poor visibility such that any pedestrian right of way won't practically offer pedestrians the safety from a careless driver that might be assumed.
Maybe in the future we can have star trek force fields at pedestrian crossings, but for now, no, i don't think we need a pedestrian crossing there as it would actually do the opposite of improving safety if you look at the situation in any detail.
Definitely need one, right on the curve by those new flats some cars fly down there and they can't see round the bend. Lots of school children cross there too.
Two car crashes there recently and you think a pedestrian crossing there is a good idea?
Well there is a temporary pedestrian crossing right where was suggested. So will be interesting to see at rush hour how many people use it, and how many keep doing what they always did.
Clearly we've all missed the sightlines around the bend being improved?
Clausy
I also have this other crazy idea that the subway should be extended underground in the other direction so that it passes under the circular and emerges somewhere past the old-laundrette/new-pedder place as well as somewhere in front of the northbound platform. That would solve the bigger crossing issue nicely albeit perhaps a bit $$$.
I agree a tunnel is needed, but it should be the road traffic going underground, not the pedestrians.
I enjoyed the temporary lights this morning and will write to LBL pointing out what a good idea they are.....