Town crossing pushed for safety work after series of accidents
A PEDESTRIAN crossing which has been the scene of several accidents will be considered for improvements, Hampshire County Council has confirmed.
The area under scrutiny, on the A35 Totton bypass and near the busy Rushington roundabout, is a popular route for pupils making their way to and from Hounsdown School as well as those attending the local youth club.
It is also particularly busy when family events are held at the adjacent Eling recreation ground, which includes funfairs and the annual donkey derby.
The county council is set to discuss the crossing as part of its annual casualty reduction programme.
Recent accidents there include a female pedestrian who was hospitalised last year with serious injuries after a car jumped a red light. The driver was later prosecuted.
In 2014 an elderly pedestrian was also left fighting for his life in hospital after an accident involving a bus.
The council's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, transport and environment, Cllr Rob Humby, said: “Our team will be looking at this crossing as part of the annual casualty reduction programme, which identifies sites where evidence shows that measures will improve safety.
"Possible improvements are at an early stage of investigation and further details will be available once these studies have concluded, measures developed and a scheme is finalised.”
Cllr David Harrison, who represents Totton and Marchwood, told the A&T he welcomed the scrutiny.
He said: “This crossing is a very well used one. The challenge is to allow people to cross a busy dual carriageway safely. Experience has shown that some drivers don't slow down or even stop at the traffic lights.
“The biggest danger is that pedestrians will sometimes step out, assuming it is safe to do so. I am urging the highways team to consider anything that will improve safety.
“Personally, I feel a reduction in the 50mph speed limit is one of the measures needed and officers have agreed to consider this.”
