17/02/2010

Pedestrian Refuges

I have been concerned that there is a need for a pedestrian refuge on some roads in Willesden as it can be hard to cross the full width of the road safely. I asked Transportation about how such refuges are agreed and implemented and they have given me a technical answer. I am advised that they are provided individually, but more often as part of a larger scheme. The primary of a refuge use is to serve the public's need to cross the road where a formal pedestrian crossing cannot be justified. It serves a secondary purpose of separating opposing traffic flows, and calming traffic speeds. However, they do sometimes require the loss of some on-street parking and this is not always welcomed in residential streets. The criterion is accident reduction, or serving a pedestrian's "desired crossing line". The kerbing and tactiles are not expensive, but it is usually necessary to get a live electricity feed in cross carriageway ducts to serve the illuminated bollards. Again, it may be necessary to prevent parking which in turn needs a traffic order and parking restrictions. Much depends on the location. Let me know if there's a site you think should have a pedestrian refuge.

14/02/2010

Nominating roads for repairs

Councillors have the opportunity to nominate roads where there is a need for repair or renewal. However, no guarantee they will be included, but I have submitted the following:

Footway repairs:
Tarmac side of Bertie Road (reported 3 years running!)
Paving by bus stop, close to bus garage, High Road
Harlesden Road: between nos. 2-40
Tarmac side of Deacon Road
Beaconsfield Road

Carriageway repairs:
Gowan Road
Hawthorn Road
Beaconsfield Road