Call for pedestrian crossing at Cabstand - what are your views?

COUNCILLORS are to ask highways chiefs to look at ways of improving pedestrian safety at the top of Portishead High Street following changes to the Cabstand junction.

Portishead Town Council agreed to write to North Somerset Council asking the opinion of its highways staff on improving safety for pedestrians wanting to cross Wyndham Way from the top of the High Street by the White Lion pub.

The move comes after Councillor Colin Howells called for a zebra crossing to be installed at the site to help people cross Wyndham Way.

There used to be a light controlled pedestrian crossing at Wyndham Way but this was removed when the traffic lights were removed earlier this year.

A zebra crossing has no lights and relies on drivers to stop when they see someone waiting at the side of the road.

Some councillors were unsure that a zebra crossing was the right way forward and said advice should first be taken from highways experts at the authority.

Councillor Barry Walters said: "Clearly we are all in favour of making the area safer for pedestrians.

"But I would oppose a zebra crossing as there are two lanes of traffic and although one driver may stop for a pedestrian to cross, the other in the second lane may not and this could be very dangerous.

" I do think the pavement by the White Lion needs to be widened  to make it easier for people in wheelchairs or parents or buggies to pass each other.

"But I don't necessarily thing a zebra crossing is the right solution and we need to look at other ways of addressing the problems."

Councillor David Pasley said: "I have driven along Wyndham Way and stopped for people wanting to cross the road.

"But the car in the other lane hasn't and I have seen lots of near misses at this location."

Council chairman Councillor Reyna Knight said a safe form of crossing was needed at the top of the High Street.

Mrs Knight said: "There is no doubt a crossing of some form is needed there, but we need the highways engineers to tell us what is the best solution this problem."

Raised crossings were put at Station Road and the bottom of the Cabstand last summer after residents complained it was difficult to cross the road after the lights were switched off.

The Cabstand lights were installed in 2004 at a cost of £800,000 and were funded from 106 planning agreement money from local developers.

But their installation caused outcry among local residents who said they caused traffic chaos on the town.

Two public protest marches, led by campaigner turned councillor David Jolley, were held in the town, with thousands of residents walking through the streets to press for changes to be made

North Somerset Council switched off the lights at the junction in September 2009  as part of a four week trial to see if it helped ease traffic congestion in the town.

The trial was hailed as a huge success, with the once lengthy tailbacks along the High Street disappearing and traffic moving freely through the town.

The lights were eventually removed in March and a mini roundabout installed at the junction.