Pedestrian Crossing Idea
Discussion
I began a new job a few months back which involves a new route to work. Unfortunately this route means that i sit in traffic 90% of the way. Over the past few weeks i've begun to realise the cause of the traffic is down to pelican pedestrian crossings. Very often there is just one person crossing, and yet the 20seconds or so that the lights are on red for means that the traffic is held up considerably.
Further to this, one of the pedestrian crossings is only 200yards away from a junction controlled by traffic lights. Thus, when the pedestrian lights are on red, and the junction lights are on green, up to 20+ cars are denied the opportunity to get through the green light, causing further congestion.
This has got me thinking. <Puts on inventing cap> Would it be possible to have a pelican pedestrian crossing that can be used as a zebra crossing during rush hour times on the roads? The road markings would be easy to incorporate. A simple sign on the light column giving the hours it acts as a zebra crossing (7.30am-9am & 5-6pm perhaps?). The amber light within the light box could be set to constantly flash during this period, to clearly mark it out as a zebra crossing.
The benefit of this type of crossing would be for the 9 out of 10 situations whereby 1 person is crossing the road, the traffic would only be stationary for 10ish seconds as opposed to 20secs, increasing traffic flow considerably.
I reckon on my route to work this morning, if these crossings were used in such a way as the above, my 30minute commute would be reduced by 10minutes at least.
If i could start a poll to gather opinions then i would, but, it would appear i do not have the power.
Further to this, one of the pedestrian crossings is only 200yards away from a junction controlled by traffic lights. Thus, when the pedestrian lights are on red, and the junction lights are on green, up to 20+ cars are denied the opportunity to get through the green light, causing further congestion.
This has got me thinking. <Puts on inventing cap> Would it be possible to have a pelican pedestrian crossing that can be used as a zebra crossing during rush hour times on the roads? The road markings would be easy to incorporate. A simple sign on the light column giving the hours it acts as a zebra crossing (7.30am-9am & 5-6pm perhaps?). The amber light within the light box could be set to constantly flash during this period, to clearly mark it out as a zebra crossing.
The benefit of this type of crossing would be for the 9 out of 10 situations whereby 1 person is crossing the road, the traffic would only be stationary for 10ish seconds as opposed to 20secs, increasing traffic flow considerably.
I reckon on my route to work this morning, if these crossings were used in such a way as the above, my 30minute commute would be reduced by 10minutes at least.
If i could start a poll to gather opinions then i would, but, it would appear i do not have the power.
davido140 said:
Digger said:
pedestrians would have to keep their wits about them
And that's exactly why it wouldnt work! Can you imagine, the general non-ph (and a few on here) public having to THINK for themselves!why not just campaign to have a Zebra crossing there?? there is no difference to what you are asking. or am I reading it wrong?
As far as I understand it, you want a Zebra crossing with flashing amber lights between 7.30-9 and 5-6 what has the pelican crossing got to do with it? if you have Zebra crossing markings on the road, but dont use the zebra crossing system from 9-5 and 6 onward, how confusing is that going to get?
Just get a Zebra crossing put there instead.
As far as I understand it, you want a Zebra crossing with flashing amber lights between 7.30-9 and 5-6 what has the pelican crossing got to do with it? if you have Zebra crossing markings on the road, but dont use the zebra crossing system from 9-5 and 6 onward, how confusing is that going to get?
Just get a Zebra crossing put there instead.
WorAl said:
why not just campaign to have a Zebra crossing there?? there is no difference to what you are asking. or am I reading it wrong?
As far as I understand it, you want a Zebra crossing with flashing amber lights between 7.30-9 and 5-6 what has the pelican crossing got to do with it? if you have Zebra crossing markings on the road, but dont use the zebra crossing system from 9-5 and 6 onward, how confusing is that going to get?
Just get a Zebra crossing put there instead.
Because of the costs involved. I'm not just thinking about the one location, i'm thinking about the country, and, eventually, the world As far as I understand it, you want a Zebra crossing with flashing amber lights between 7.30-9 and 5-6 what has the pelican crossing got to do with it? if you have Zebra crossing markings on the road, but dont use the zebra crossing system from 9-5 and 6 onward, how confusing is that going to get?
Just get a Zebra crossing put there instead.
<Pinky and the Brain mode off>
I presume that a Pedestrian Crossing is fitted for the benefit of motorists (i.e. should be needed more in rush hour, not less!!) - if there are a hundred people waiting to cross he motorist need only wait for twenty at a time; if for instance a Zebra crossing was placed on a really busy road like Oxford Street traffic would never move. Therefore in your instance where one person crosses at a time it's really a call for a permanent Zebra Crossing.
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