Crossing revamp on cards

For years, pedestrians have been risking their lives trying to cross the busy road near the junction with Fishergate, particularly during the rush hour.

Now City of York Council is set to build a pedestrian "build-out" into the street to make it easier and safer to get across.

A report to a planning and transport sub-committee says the scheme would reduce the width to cross and improve visibility past parked vehicles.

In June, the authority sent a letter to about 85 homes with its proposals after concerns about the junction were raised through the Fishergate Ward Committee.

Surveys confirmed that many people cross Cemetery Road near a link road leading to and from Fishergate.

The report said the main problem identified by pedestrians was "poor visibility" to the left for people crossing from the Fishergate side.

Written by engineering technician Rob Maxfield, the report said: "This is due to the nearby on-street parking bay, and the curvature of the road.

"Because of this problem, some people currently step out into the road to help them see around the parked cars."

The council is also proposing to close a gap in a nearby pedestrian guardrail to stop people crossing at a dangerous point.

The proposals have won the support of North Yorkshire Police and the county's fire and rescue service.

"The proposed measures should result in improved safety for pedestrians in this location," said Mr Maxfield.

"Consultation has shown good support for the proposed scheme, with exception of one resident who is opposed to one element of the scheme.

"Officers consider it important that the 'gap' in the pedestrian guardrail should be closed in order to prevent pedestrians crossing in a dangerous location, and do not think that this would cause significant problems for tradespeople needing to carry out work at nearby properties."

The scheme, if approved, would be jointly funded through the ward committee and pedestrian scheme budget.

Updated: 11:12 Friday, August 05, 2005