Gloucestershire County Council want to find out what people think about introducing a zebra crossing to the shared space at Kimbrose Triangle in Gloucester City Centre.
Kimbrose Triangle is public space located at the junction of Kimbrose Triangle and Southgate Street- the key crossing point for ‘The Linkages’ pedestrian route from the Docks to Southgate Street, unhealthy via Kimbrose Way.
Following the completion of ‘The Linkages’ improvement scheme part of Kimbrose Triangle became an area shared by pedestrians and motorists.
The county council has drawn up proposals to consider a zebra crossing. A zebra crossing would create a single point for pedestrians walking between Kimbrose Steps and Southgate Street/Kimbrose Triangle.
In autumn 2011 Gloucestershire County Council carried out minor improvements to Kimbrose Triangle. Part of the surface was changed and some bollards were installed to help mark the path for walkers.
Since then the scheme has been closely monitored. Initial traffic surveys showed that vehicle speeds were low at around 20 mph and the shared space continues to enjoy a good safety record. Further surveys are being undertaken in support of the present consultation exercise.
However some public concerns have been raised, drug chiefly around user’s unfamiliarity with the shared space idea and the relative priorities of drivers and pedestrians moving in the area.
Adding a zebra crossing would improve the visibility of pedestrian crossing at one point.
Cllr Vernon Smith, the cabinet member for highways said, ‘We know from feedback that there are strong views both in favour of leaving the shared space at Kimbrose Triangle as it is, and also in support of including a zebra crossing.’
‘A balance is needed for traffic to be able to flow as freely as possible and within the speed limit, whilst ensuring that people feel safe and can find their way confidently through the shared space area.’
‘We believe that shared space can work well. However for this particular area we are considering the option of a zebra crossing and I would urge everyone who uses Kimbrose Triangle to give us their views.’
The consultation will begin on the 8th September 2014 and run until the 6th October 2014. For more information and to give us your views please visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/kimbrosetriangle. Paper copies of the questionnaire will be available from Shire Hall Reception in Westgate Street and county libraries.