Road safety concern as bus stop is placed next to crossing used by children
NEW SHELTER ‘WILL BECOME A MAGNET FOR KIDS’
CONSTRUCTION of a new bus stop has angered residents in Grimsby who say it will be a road safety danger for children.
The bus stop on Wingate Road has been moved further along to opposite the shopping area and directly across to the existing bus stop on the other side.
It has a raised kerb for improved accessibility to buses for elderly people and parents with prams and pushchairs and a shelter is being installed. But a Willows resident is angry about the location of the new stop which is just a short distance from the pedestrian crossing. They say a bus will block the view of any traffic approaching crossing.
He said: “There is going to be an accident and someone will be seriously injured trying to cross the road.
“There are hundreds of kids use that crossing to get to and from school but the bus will block their view of any traffic coming that way. “They have not realised how busy that road gets normally. There haven’t been as many lorries lately due to the lockdown but when the schools are back and the traffic returns to normal it will be a nightmare.”
Another resident said she was concerned about the need for a shelter.
She said: “The old bus stop did not have one. This is going to be right outside the precinct where kids gather and get up to all sorts of mischief. This will become a magnet for them. How long has the old one been there without a shelter? It is opposite the other bus stop, so when you get two buses there, nothing will get past. It is just in front of the cross
There is going to be an accident and someone will be seriously injured trying to cross the
road.
Resident
the ing and on double yellow lines.”
North East Lincolnshire Council said the bus shelter supplier is experiencing a delay so works to install it will take place at a later date, but they insist there is no road safety danger.
An NELC spokesman said: “Having reviewed the situation, road safety engineers have no objection to the provision of a bus stop at this location. Engineers have considered the visibility for road users wishing to pass the bus stop and are satisfied enough space is available to recognise the zebra crossing.
“Additionally, the accident data for the area has been reviewed and the data does not identify stationary vehicles or visibility issues as contributing factors in any previous accidents around the existing bus stops. In the coming weeks, an antivandal bus shelter will also be installed. These are well-used across the borough and have shown to be robust in dealing with any impacts of antisocial behaviour. “Engineers will keep the scheme under review, and if concerns are highlighted, action will be taken to address the concerns.”