New Pedestrian Crossings Planned in Warrington
Warrington Borough Council has announced plans to introduce two new pedestrian-controlled toucan crossings on busy roads in the area. These crossings are set to be installed in Howley and Latchford, aiming to improve safety for pedestrians, particularly those who are vulnerable road users.
The first of these crossings will be located on Kingsway North, close to the roundabout junction with Farrell Street. This location is identified as a key area where there has been a historical need to support pedestrians, especially during peak times when foot traffic increases.
The second crossing will be situated on Kingsway South, between Grange Avenue and Bridgewater Avenue. This area is known for high pedestrian activity, particularly among students who cross the road at this point. The council has highlighted that the design of the scheme includes the provision of two controlled toucan crossings due to the significant volume of vulnerable road users using this section of Kingsway.
In a statement of reasons, the council explained: “Due to the historical pressures to support vulnerable road users about the junction of Farrell Street, and pupils crossing Kingsway South between Bridgewater Avenue and Grange Avenue, a scheme design included the need to provision two pedestrian traffic-controlled crossing points, where vulnerable road user volume was high across Kingsway.”
The introduction of these crossings is intended to enhance accessibility and safety for all road users in the area. The council emphasized that the planned crossings will help support the overall accessibility for vulnerable road users at the Farrell Street roundabout and to the south of it.
The proposed locations for the crossings are clearly defined. One will be on Kingsway North, just north of the Farrell Street roundabout, while the other will be on Kingsway South, between Grange Avenue and Bridgewater Avenue. These placements have been chosen based on extensive analysis of pedestrian movement and traffic patterns in the area.
Public Consultation and Representation
The council has invited members of the public to provide their views on the proposals. Anyone wishing to express support or raise objections must do so in writing. Representations can be submitted by post or delivered in person to the following address:
Legal Services, East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1UH.
Alternatively, written representations can be emailed to [email protected], along with full contact details. All submissions must be received by July 24. For any objections, individuals are required to specify the grounds on which they are made.
It is important to note that all representations received will be considered by the council. These submissions may also be discussed publicly during council meetings, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process.
Why These Crossings Matter
The installation of these controlled toucan crossings is a significant step towards improving road safety in Warrington. By providing dedicated spaces for pedestrians to cross safely, the council aims to reduce the risk of accidents and encourage more people to walk in the area.
These crossings will not only benefit students and local residents but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for all road users. The council’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable pedestrians reflects its ongoing efforts to make Warrington a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
