Perry Vale Crossings Update:
I am honour bound to record that a new pedestrian island by Westbourne Drive has risen from the rubble of the old crossing. This was the island (just south of the blind bend by the cottages), that was repeatedly hit, sometimes sending cars spinning through the fencing into the vacant lot.
So yes it is a good thing that the Perry Vale crossing cull has seemingly paused, but you have to wonder whether this spot is the best place for the crossing.
If the council had the funds to rebuild this crossing, it should have been moved to just the other side of the Westbourne Drive junction. and so a safer distance from the bend. I cant see that inconveniencing many as there is just a long wall on the west side of the road and it would be a better crossing for FH school bound children.
But I suspect this island's main function (in the eyes of the council) is not for pedestrians use at all but rather to shield the north bound traffic from head on collisions with any reckless South bound traffic coming round the corner too fast.
This new crossing island, even with traffic friendly pointed curbs (presumably to help cars mount it), is still going to make for a fairly severe end to the evening for some drivers, but sure, better than a head on collision.
In my opinion there must be safer alternatives like installing a crash barrier or making a mini roundabout with Dacres rd junction.