You are right about traffic islands. They do not provide total protection. I saw one car completely straddle two high islands. anyone sheltering between them would have been killed. But I think thay are the best way to cross a road. You should normally only need to look one way ata time. Howeber, I have also seen impatient drivers overtake other cars by going the wrong side.
I am puzzled why cost is coming into this problem. The developers have been allowed to build on public land. I think this has caused the removal of the traffic island. Surely MH should have obtained a section 106 agreement for them to fund the replacement raised crossing point before the planning permission was given. Snazy, I know you are not a bloodhound, but can you put this to MH for his comment, please?