Safer, higher crossings at some roundabouts

Contractors poured concrete one night this week at the raised tables being constructed on the Palmerston Road and Derby Street intersection. The work above was under a road closure on Derby Street when traffic numbers were much lower. Picture supplied

Raised pedestrian walkways, described as tables or flat platforms, are being constructed at some of Gisborne’s roundabouts, where pedestrian use is high.

Gisborne District Council has asked drivers to be courteous at the raised table crossings.

“They’re the preferred approach to roundabouts in Gisborne because of the dual purpose they serve for drivers and pedestrians,” said the council’s road safety coordinator Lauriel Edwards.

“They slow vehicle speeds and allow opportunities for pedestrians to cross the road, which on a raised platform gives them more visibility to motorists.

“They are ‘courtesy crossings’ under the road code, and drivers are asked to be courteous,” she said.

“They’re particularly helpful for pedestrians who are elderly or have mobility issues.

“They’re not formal crossings, however, the flat raised area is where pedestrians are asked to cross.

“As a speed hump, it slows traffic and allows time for pedestrians to see what is coming.”

Ms Edwards said raised tables also increased  the visibility of pedestrians crossing to approaching drivers, particularly where the presence of pedestrians is unexpected.

“It is advised that pedestrians make eye contact with approaching drivers to make sure they have been seen.”