Wirral Council has installed a second diagonal pedestrian crossing, in an effort to improve the safety of young people attending nearby schools.
Following evaluation of a prominent junction in the town of Upton, at which the existing traffic lights were more than 30 year-old, Wirral Council decided the ‘state-of-the-art’ crossing would benefit all road users.
The new-style crossing enables pedestrians to safely cross two arms of the junction at once, providing a more efficient crossing system.
When the green man is displayed for pedestrians, the traffic lights at the junction are held at red for traffic in all directions.
While this is the second such crossing to be introduced by the council, it is the first to feature a countdown timer, warning pedestrians of the length of time they have to safely cross.
Wirral Council says the junction will provide safer crossing for pupils attending schools in the area, helping them develop their independence.
Cllr Liz Grey, Wirral Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “A diagonal crossing at the junction in Upton will play a vital role in keeping children safe on their journey to and from school.
“As children reach secondary school, they can be more vulnerable as this is often when they learn to travel to school by themselves. This crossing, along with other measures, will help support them as they develop their independence.”
It’s good to see more of these crossings that make it easier to get across more that one ‘arm’ at a junction in a single pedestrian stage. It makes things quicker and easier and more people seem to do this anyway where there is an ‘all red’ for pedestrians.
One was installed in Shaw, Oldham at some point between 2005 and 2007.
I would be interested to know if there are any others outside of London to compare the general characteristics of the area and the size of the junction.
Nadeem
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