High Street shared space scheme ‘a risk to pedestrians’

kinross: Town’s community council urges rethink amid speeding concerns

Kinross Community Council is calling for a rethink of the controversial High Street shared space scheme, labelling it “dangerous to pedestrians”.

Community council secretary Eileen Thomas has written to Perth and Kinross Council chief executive Bernadette Malone setting out their stance that the removal of kerbs, crossings and road markings is “not working”.

“The shared space philosophy, though laudable, is not working,” says the letter.

“Traffic is travelling too fast and drivers are not showing pedestrians the consideration required for shared space to work. The redesigned High Street is dangerous for pedestrians, particularly the disabled, elderly, infirm and children.

“The change to shared space has led to many pedestrians feeling unsafe in the High Street and thus using it less.

“The lack of a safe crossing place means the council is failing to provide a sustainable method of travel to primary school for children living east of the High Street. A thorough reassessment is required and appropriate measures put in place to reduce the risk to pedestrians.

“We understand that the council is, in any case, obliged to carry out a one-year road safety audit of the High Street very soon.”

A Westminster select committee is currently looking at shared space schemes and Kinross campaigner Ken Miles has made a submission.

“The Kinross High Street ‘improvements’ have created many increased safety risks to pedestrians as the road remains the main route through the town for most vehicular traffic,” he said.

“Cars, heavy goods, including car transporters, buses, etc still pass through Kinross High Street.

“Despite the 20mph speed zone being in place for over 10 years, most traffic is exceeding this limit, creating risk of injury or death to pedestrians.

“Statistics produced by Perth and Kinross Council confirm that traffic has been monitored and recorded at speeds in excess of 45mph in this 20mph zone.”

A spokesman for the council said it was listening to local opinions.

“Following requests from the local community, it is intended that in the near future a report will come before councillors covering the proposed provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing and other potential revisions to the scheme,” he said.

The change to shared space has led to many pedestrians feeling unsafe in the High Street and thus using it less. EILEEN THOMAS’ LETTER