It's black and white: Zebra won't do

Wanganui District Council says raised platforms at intersections, like this one being planned at Taupo Quay, are a better option than zebra crossings. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wanganui district councillor Ray Stevens has responded to his colleague's call for a zebra crossing on Taupo Quay saying it would not be a safe option.

"Only last week a pedestrian was killed on a zebra crossing in Palmerston North which highlights the danger of these crossings on busy roads. It doesn't make sense to install a zebra crossing at the Taupo Quay-Drews Ave intersection where there is turning traffic and a busy thoroughfare," Mr Stevens said.

In Thursday's Chronicle, Councillor Rob Vinsen said a dedicated crossing needed to be put in place as part of the street's upgrade and was organising a petition for the River Traders market today to gather public support.

But Mr Stevens said advice from professional traffic safety engineers was that a raised platform, which is planned, is the best option to assist pedestrians to cross Taupo Quay.

"Taupo Quay is currently being transformed from a vehicle-dominated area to one that is attractive and enjoyable for people," Mr Stevens said.

He said raised platforms with kerb extensions were being created at the intersections to assist pedestrians crossing the road. The road width for pedestrians to cross has been reduced from 14m to 7m.

"Our qualified traffic safety engineer has highlighted the issues of zebra crossings and advised that there is national guidance to use alternative forms of pedestrian facilities to zebra crossings," Mr Stevens said.

There were safety issues with zebra crossings, particularly on busy thoroughfares, he said.

"Pedestrians using a zebra crossing can become complacent because they have the legal right of way and walk out in front of vehicles, assuming vehicle drivers will notice them and stop."

Mayor Annette Main said councillors were not experts on traffic safety, and "the advice we have received is that zebra crossings only work at the specific location of the crossing with the rest of the road remaining a car-dominated area".