Toucan crossing is ‘very nice, but is it necessary?’
PEOPLE living near the new toucan crossing on Bulwer Avenue, which went live yesterday morning, are not convinced it is needed.
The traffic light crossing by the junction for Grandes Maisons Road allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the busy road.
Don Bailey was walking from his house in Delancey Lane to his insurance company in Bulwer Avenue and used the crossing.
‘It’s all very nice, but is it necessary?’ he said.
‘There are always pedestrians crossing down there [the zebra crossing by Delancey Lane].’
Nearby resident Steve Renouf was also not sure the lights would help many people.
‘I don’t think cyclists will stop and press a button for the lights,’ he said.
‘And this won’t help us, as we have to cross Grandes Maisons Road first. There are already a lot of crossings in the area – how many crossings do people want?’
However, he said it was not having a detrimental impact on the area.
‘I haven’t see the traffic slow down at all,’ he said.
‘It’s the first day and people are getting used to it.’
Another resident said the crossing was not needed.
‘I think it’s ridiculous,’ he said.
‘I have only seen one person use it today. I don’t think we need it. It’s in the wrong place anyway. It should be further down the road, where the zebra crossing is.’
He was concerned about having the lights on the bend, rather than on a straight stretch of road, which made them harder for motorists to see.
He also criticised how painted white lines had narrowed the road, when he felt it should be widened to allow traffic to flow more freely.
The crossing was installed by Environment & Infrastructure at a cost of £85,000 and has been welcomed by pedestrian safety and cycling groups.
