Post by Joe K on Sept 24, 2014 9:19:16 GMT
Speaking of scary (which I was), I found this in a Citizen from July 26, 2011, while tidying in the garden*:
I know from the Charles Street blind bend next to Asda how little council employees care about non-motorists, so I don't think anything will change now. This has all the hallmarks of change for the sake of change, and inaction for the sake of saving face. What a beautiful combination...
*and you can judge for yourselves whether the scary part is that councillors still haven't sorted this out more than three years later, or that I have a three year old copy of the Citizen in my garden
'Crossing' for Kimbrose call
By Lucy Tatchell
lucy.tatchell@glosmedia.co.uk
URGENT action and a temporary crossing are needed before someone is killed at Gloucester's Kimbrose Triangle, say city councillors.
Councillor Mary Smith (Lab, Matson and Robinswood) said motorists have no idea how to drive through the shared space between Southgate Street and Glouceser Docks, and pedestrians are taking their life [lives?] in their hands as they try to cross.
Councillors are now calling for Gloucestershire Highways to monitor the area and improve the scheme.
"There have been grave concerns," said Mrs Smith.
"We are talking about possible fatalities.
"It is a great idea, but it might need a radical rethink."
Gloucestershire County Council has spent months installing new paving, lighting, street furniture and signs along Southgate Street and the Kimbrose Triangle as part of the £7million linkages scheme.
They aim to persuade pedestrians and drivers to co-operate.
But others say there have been a number of near misses and campaigners have serious safety concerns.
Leader of the council Paul James (Con, Longlevens) said people needed time to get used to the scheme.
"It does take some getting used to," he said.
"It is innovative to Gloucester and I think if we pulled the plug on it so early it would be regrettable."
During Thursday's full council meeting councillors agree to request the county council works to ensure a satisfactory conclusion, but fell short of agreeing on a temporary crossing.
"You cannot educate people to use a shared space if you put in temporary traffic lights," said Councillor Jermy Hilton (Lib Dem, Kingsholm and Wotton).
"We have to experiment and it is early days.
"We have to trust the highways engineers to come up with proposals to solve the problem."
By Lucy Tatchell
lucy.tatchell@glosmedia.co.uk
URGENT action and a temporary crossing are needed before someone is killed at Gloucester's Kimbrose Triangle, say city councillors.
Councillor Mary Smith (Lab, Matson and Robinswood) said motorists have no idea how to drive through the shared space between Southgate Street and Glouceser Docks, and pedestrians are taking their life [lives?] in their hands as they try to cross.
Councillors are now calling for Gloucestershire Highways to monitor the area and improve the scheme.
"There have been grave concerns," said Mrs Smith.
"We are talking about possible fatalities.
"It is a great idea, but it might need a radical rethink."
Gloucestershire County Council has spent months installing new paving, lighting, street furniture and signs along Southgate Street and the Kimbrose Triangle as part of the £7million linkages scheme.
They aim to persuade pedestrians and drivers to co-operate.
But others say there have been a number of near misses and campaigners have serious safety concerns.
Leader of the council Paul James (Con, Longlevens) said people needed time to get used to the scheme.
"It does take some getting used to," he said.
"It is innovative to Gloucester and I think if we pulled the plug on it so early it would be regrettable."
During Thursday's full council meeting councillors agree to request the county council works to ensure a satisfactory conclusion, but fell short of agreeing on a temporary crossing.
"You cannot educate people to use a shared space if you put in temporary traffic lights," said Councillor Jermy Hilton (Lib Dem, Kingsholm and Wotton).
"We have to experiment and it is early days.
"We have to trust the highways engineers to come up with proposals to solve the problem."
I know from the Charles Street blind bend next to Asda how little council employees care about non-motorists, so I don't think anything will change now. This has all the hallmarks of change for the sake of change, and inaction for the sake of saving face. What a beautiful combination...
*and you can judge for yourselves whether the scary part is that councillors still haven't sorted this out more than three years later, or that I have a three year old copy of the Citizen in my garden
