Another response from Mick, to be shared with you all.
Once again all I can say is I am 100% behind this way of thinking. We dont live in a world of ideals, but a world of compromise. What is layed out certainly seems like a good compromise to me.
So Mick says...
Quote:
The raised crossing point is located at the most suitable location to provide the best sight lines for pedestrians wishing to cross. The location of the crossing point is not finalised as yet. It may move slightly further south, but it will not go beyond the underpass. In its current location it provides a suitable crossing point for those exiting platform two and heading south. It also aids those heading from the shops on Perry Vale to the underpass, and vice versa. I fully understand people's issues with regard to the lose of the island at Hindsley's Place, but there will not be sufficient carriageway width to provide a new island. I have looked at accident reports for Perry Vale and there have not been any pedestrian personal injury accidents on this section of highway in the past five years. I have looked into possibly providing an additional island between the car park entrance and the underpass. Again this can not been carried out due to the location of the bus stop, outside the Foresters public house.
Despite making the road straighter, I have also reduced its width considerably. A more narrow road tends to make drivers reduce their speed. We could consider putting in additional speed cushions, however I would prefer not to go down that avenue as the majority of people I have come across are anti-speed hump.
What I would say is once the road layout is imprinted on the current road, in spray form, maybe the logic behind the changes will make more sense.
A straight, narrow road is far safer and easier to cross than a wider continual bending one. Fact. I cant see what the true arguement against this is.
An island is not a particularly safe place to cross, as the island at the end of Church Rise is proof of.
A 7m wide carriageway is what, 8-9 paces to cross. If people can actually be patient enough to wait for it to be clear, or stationary traffic, and not wish to dart half way across, there will be no need to take refuge in an island.