12:35pm Thursday 8th May 2008
A WINCHESTER professor has criticised Hampshire County Council's "illogical"
tests to determine how much road crossings are needed.
Professor Richard Johns has tried to get the council to consider putting a pedestrian crossing in St Cross Road, Winchester, near Grange Road so that people can reach safely the bus stop near the cricket ground.
He said he was told it was unlikely a crossing would be built because when the county council went to see how many people crossed the road there, the numbers were small, and there was considered to be little need.
Prof Johns argued that the reason people did not cross the road was because it was so dangerous, and that it was a Catch 22' situation.
He said: "It has been pointed out to the council that the road is not crossed by young and old alike for the very reason that it is too dangerous.
"It is patently obvious that the formula in this instance is flawed and slavish adherence to it is illogical.
"If use of the bus service is to be encouraged, then those who live in this area need to be able to cross this busy road. A more secure crossing is needed, before a serious accident occurs."
Prof Johns is urging other residents of St Cross to write to the council to show that there is wide support and need for a crossing.
A spokeswoman for Hampshire County Council said: "This location on St Cross Road near to Grange Road will be monitored and, if appropriate, measures may be progressed, subject to further consultations, priorities, approvals, and secured funding."
She added that surveys were used initially to assess the need for a formal crossing, and that the surveys were made by counting the number of pedestrians crossing and the number of vehicles passing.
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