The Portsmouth Society - News
| News | Defects of the traffic system | |
| Earlier news | Members will probably be aware that, under pressure from the Government, Portsmouth's whole road network will be owned and managed by the French-owned contractor Colas under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). An extensive programme of rebuilding and resurfacing will begin on February 1. We were worried that this might perpetuate rather than remedy the many defects from the point of view of traffic and pedestrian movement, some of them being the result of the defective design of quite recent changes. We recently submitted to the head of traffic, formerly the assistant City Engineer, this list: 1. Mini roundabouts in Isambard Brunel Road Our concern : almost impossible to drive round. City Engineer's reply : Roundabout was deliberately designed to oblige motorists to slow as they approach this 20 mph zone. Others have expressed same concerns as us and the matter will be investigated 2. Isambard Brunel Road – crossing from Portsmouth and Southsea station. Our concern : Visually much improved but confused – no clear priorities either for traffic or pedestrians City Engineer's reply : Pedestrians do not have priority in crossing here. In order to improve sightlines I intend to seek approval for alternate one-way working for vehicles Vehicular traffic will continue to have priority. Our response : 1 and 2 are design faults and result from the landscape design improvements not having been co-ordinated from the start with necessary traffic modifications. We would oppose the one-way traffic idea. It is an important bus route. All that is needed is pedestrian priority on a clearly marked crossing point. 3. Velder Avenue/Milton Road junction Our concern : Lack of north-south pedestrian crossing on the west side of junction – Milton to St Mary's Hospital, for example. City Engineer's reply : I acknowledge this problem which will be addressed in modifications I hope to bring forward within the next six months. Our response : This also was a design fault from the start. It was obvious from the start that north-south pedestrian crossings would be needed. Now, two years later, you are proposing modifications. 4. St Georges Road, Old Portsmouth Our concern : unexplained and dangerous closing of zebra crossing City Engineer's reply : I do not agree that the closure of the crossing is dangerous. While the matter is under review Councillor Bentley has agreed that the balance of advantage lies with the crossing remaining closed Our response : We know of no reason to think that this well-sited zebra crossing was dangerous. What is dangerous is that there is now no way for pedestrians and those in wheelchairs, wishing to go, for example, from Gunwharf Gate to Gunwharf Quays to cross the fast moving stream of Isle of Wight traffic. The only change there was been since the crossing was instituted at considerable public expense is the arrival of the St Clare ferry which discharges an unbroken stream of 200 vehicles, making a crossing even more needed. The problem, such as it is, would be solved, like No.4. by routing IOW traffic via Park Road (No. 6). 5. Fawcett Road traffic calming & environmental improvements Our concern : Enormous expenditure, severe interruption of traffic in what used to be classified as a primary distributor road and consequent destruction of a sizeable number of businesses. City Engineer's reply : You have not understood the object of this scheme which was to improve safety in Fawcett Road outside Priory School. The side roads to the east do fall within in an area on which there is a consultation. This wider area is likely to be made a 20 mph zone. Our response : To our knowledge this scheme started from a proposal by Charles Burns, of this Society and the Central Southsea Neighbourhood Forum, to get a 20 mph limit imposed in the square bordered by Fawcett Road, Goldsmith Avenue. Jessie Road and Francis Avenue. He was initially told that this could not be done, too expensive etc, although it was in fact done elsewhere. Now what has been done has been enormously more expensive that what he wanted and the 20 mph limits are only being consulted about now, four years later. If the object was safety for Priory School, surely a scheme limited to the northern end of Fawcett Road would have met the bill and without the total disruption of traffic for so long which put several firms out of business. 6. Cambridge Road / St Michael's Road junction Our concern : Trouble caused by the expectation of each traffic stream that, if it is facing a green light, the other stream will have a red one. We suggest signs on both roads indicating traffic approaching from the left or right as on motorway merges. Of course the whole situation would be improved if, as we have repeatedly suggested, the Isle of Wight traffic were routed via Park Road. Then traffic from the Terraces could be given clear priority. City Engineer's reply : Current arrangements minimise delays without leading to accidents. No plans for alteration. Our response : We still think signs warning each traffic stream that the other also has a green light are necessary. If as we have long advocated Isle of Wight traffic were routed via Park Road then clear priority could be given to traffic from the terraces. 7. Station Road / Commercial Road Junction Our concern : This is a chronic problem. Ever since it was first designed it has caused needless delays to both pedestrians and traffic. Indeed from the very start pedestrians have tended to ignore the lights and cross when they are red? City Engineer's reply : I agree with the need to remodel this junction although I do not regard it as the chronic problem you do, Changes would have been made to accommodate the LRT and will still need to await the final decision on this. Our response : It is chronic in the sense that it has been a problem since it was first thought up by Trevor Head. Its seriousness is exemplified by the fact that pedestrians take the law into their own hands. At any time of day you can see pedestrians crossing Station Street against the red light and in complete safety. RJ |