Fears for pedestrian safety in South Norfolk

4.10.17pm GMT Wed 7th Jan 2009

Mr Pitt Pladdy campaigning for greater road safety in South Norfolk

Concerns were raised today that the safety of pedestrians in South Norfolk, and local school children in particular, could be put in jeopardy if plans for changes at a busy crossing area go ahead as intended by Council decision-makers.

As part of County Council plans for a new roundabout on the A140 at Pulham Market, existing lighting in an area where pedestrians cross is to be removed. A number of the pedestrians crossing in this area are schoolchildren who are dropped off by buses at this part of the road.

Cllr Fran Pitt-Pladdy, who is Liberal Democrat county councillor in the Pulham Market area, today challenged the decision at a council meeting after local people voiced concerns that increased safety for vehicles at the junction may come at a cost to the safety of schoolchildren and pedestrians.

In response to the issues raised Mr Pitt-Pladdy was informed that the Council's design codes prompt a systematic assessment, which in this case concluded that the roundabout will operate safely if unlit, that the construction team had observed virtually no pedestrian activity in the immediate junction area during the last three months and that if installation of a full lighting scheme were included with the present works it would add approximately £50,000 to the cost. He was also notified that cabling is to be installed on the roundabout in case a need for lighting is perceived at a later date.

Mr Pitt-Pladdy said:

"The number of pedestrians crossing at this part of the busy A140 may be few but one accident caused by a lack of lighting would be one too many. The new roundabout may increase safety for car drivers but I am concerned it could put pedestrians at more risk. The lighting currently provided allows pedestrians wanting to cross the road to be clearly seen by drivers. This would not be the case if the lights are removed."

Concerns were also raised today by a resident of Pulham Market and employee of the Health and Safety Executive, Mr Ron Griffiths.

Mr Griffiths said:

"The £50,000 cost of including lighting in the plans is tiny in terms of the overall project cost of £1.5 million and in my mind would be only a little extra to pay to ensure that current safety standards for pedestrians at this junction continue."