I have recently moved to Bradford on Avon having spent many years in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Since moving here I have discovered, to my dismay, that the council is planning to replace the existing zebra crossing facilities in town with the planned HCZ.
During my time in Shaftesbury the council carried out a similar exercise whereby the existing crossings were removed and replaced with areas of raised block paving. The theory being that pedestrians used these areas to cross the road.
Unfortunately, motorists and other road users, especially those from out of town, are not aware of this arrangement so, consequently, are likely to encounter pedestrians in the middle of the road, apparantly jaywalking. I have personally experienced an angry motorist in this situation.
My experience of this system is that it does not work. Neither pedestrians nor roads-users know who has priority, leaving to inevitable misunderstanding. If the council is keen to carry out this plan, please retain the black and white stripes at crossing points as both pedestrians and road-users understand the relevance of these road markings.
I hope my letter will be informative and constructive, as my main reason for writing is for the safety of pedestrians and road-users alike. I have no political affiliation.
L Bishop, The Ropewalk,.
Bradford on Avon.
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