New crossing is big hit
A new Staffordshire pedestrian crossing, designed to blend in with historic features, has been hailed a success after figures showed 1,800 people used it at the end of last year.
A new Staffordshire pedestrian crossing, designed to blend in with historic features, has been hailed a success after figures showed 1,800 people used it at the end of last year.
The crossing at the junction of St John Street and The Friary, Lichfield, was monitored over the Christmas shopping period to record the number of people using it to negotiate the busy city centre road.
Residents, children and shoppers have benefited directly from the new state-of-the-art electronic crossing, which was installed after a series of accidents.
Road safety experts from the county council, officers from Lichfield District Council and local councillors all got their heads together in March last year to solve the dilemma of improving road safety without damaging the historic city centre after a series of accidents.
The design team adapted the usual crossing package to meet the special demands of Lichfield, including using black signal poles, reducing road markings and anti-skid surfacing, reducing traffic signs, and using matching kerb and pavement materials.
Lichfield Civic Society said the design would create harmful visual intrusions at an important gateway into the conservation area of the city centre and there was no compelling case on safety grounds for the construction of the scheme.
The new high-tech electronic puffin crossing is fitted with sensors to ensure it responds to real life needs detecting people and vehicle movements to keep everyone on the move safely.
The survey showed the busiest crossing time was between midday and 1pm when the button was pressed almost every minute.
County councillor Terry Finn said the survey had shown just how popular the crossing was.
He said: "This is a dynamic and lively city centre and people want to be able to get about their business safely.
"It's wonderful that we have come up with a solution that protects lives and while meeting the needs of the historic environment of this fine city.
"It just goes to show that by working together we can find a way through conflicting priorities to deliver for the people of Lichfield."
