Idea for more zebra crossings on city streets
DERBY could be set for an influx of new zebra crossings after councillors voted in favour of a motion calling for pedestrian improvements.
Derby could follow Greater Manchester and London in having a trial where new zebra crossingstyle markings are installed on a number of side/residential streets near to junctions, making them safer and easier for walkers to cross.
The idea is at a very early stage, so it is not yet known which streets could take part if such a scheme comes to Derby.
Highway Code Rule 170 states that drivers and cyclists should give way to pedestrians who have started to cross a road into which they are turning.
Recently areas of London and Greater Manchester had a trial of new road markings where various studies and tests were carried out.
According to the Local Gov website a report commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and conducted by industry experts TRL – The Future of Transport showed that vehicles giving way to people on foot went up from four in 10 to seven in 10 when the zebra markings were in place.
But the motion claims the stripes “do not yet have Department of Transport approval”.
The motion calling for improvements was called by Littleover Liberal Democrat Councillor Lucy Care and was supported by fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Carr.
It said: “Derby City Council recognises that many main roads for traffic are also useful routes for pedestrians.
“However, unlike road traffic, pedestrians have to give way at every side turning. This causes delay to pedestrians and makes walking a less attractive experience.
“Council notes that improving the walking experience will encourage more people to choose to walk rather than drive for short journeys.
“Council is interested to learn that trials have taken place in Greater Manchester and London with zebra crossing-style stripes across side roads close to the main road on the pedestrian desire-line.
“Results from these trials, overseen by the independent Transport Research Laboratory, have been positive, showing that most drivers give way to pedestrians wanting to cross.”
The motion then calls on city council leaders to write to the Government to ask if the trial schemes can be further assessed and the “council agrees to volunteer to take part in trials”.
The motion was overwhelmingly supported at a full council meeting held on Wednesday, meaning the ball can start rolling.
Cabinet member Steve Hassall said: “The motion we are very much in favour of. I do have concerns around the safety aspect it and any letter I do write will reiterate the safety aspects that need to be considered.
“The trials in Greater Manchester do focus predominantly on low-traffic residential areas and not in city centres, as far as I can make out.
“The trials have stated that seven out of ten drivers give way, but that leaves 30 per cent that do not. While I’m in favour of this move, I want to see results focused on risk reduction and removal.”
Labour deputy leader for Derby, Nadine Peatfield, supported the motion but insisted the idea was already in the party’s manifesto and accused other parties of “copying their homework”.
“We like the idea so much we put in our Derby Labour Manifesto launched in May this year,” she told the full council meeting.