Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Call for zebra crossings to be scrapped
A FIFE councillor has called for zebra crossings in Fife to be scrapped amid fears someone will be killed.
John O’Brien said he had witnessed a number of near misses on crossings near his home in Methil and had received scores of complaints from constituents.
He has written to Fife Council leader David Ross and traffic management officials requesting that all zebra crossings are replaced with red light crossings.
“It is my belief that zebra crossings are outdated and a health and safety risk to the public,” he said.
Council transport spokesman Councillor John Wincott said Mr O’Brien had a valid point but claimed his onesize-fits-all solution was not the answer.
Last year, six people were killed and 149 were seriously injured on zebra crossings in Britain — although three times as many were killed on other types of pedestrian crossings.
Mr O’Brien, SNP councillor for Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages, said: “I don’t feel safe crossing them. They are old fashioned and I think Fife should look to banish them.”
Zebra crossings cost around £10,000 to install but drivers are required to stop only if a pedestrian steps on to it. Pelican and puffin crossings cost around £35,000 and drivers must stop if faced with a red light.
Mr Wincott said: “Councillor O’Brien raises some valid concerns. However, his solution of one-size-fits-all really is not the answer. I know from personal experience that, unfortunately, red lights don’t always make drivers stop either.”
Mike Bristow, road safety charity Brake spokesman, said: “We urge councils to retain zebra crossings and implement wider measures, such as 20mph limits, which are proven to help save lives.”