We have consultations on four different walking schemes, each of which proposes to introduce a new zebra crossing as part of a local walking scheme.
Gordon Square
The proposal is to build a raised table zebra crossing on Gordon Square close to its junction with Woburn Square. And to build a new refuge island on the crossing, between the road and the cycleway.
Click here to see the drawing of the scheme
Click here to see the consultation leaflet
This crossing links the gardens in Gordon and Woburn Squares. The consultation document doesn’t mention access to the squares which belong to the University of London, although DW tells me that there is limited access in the day tim.
It also cuts across the two-way cycle track just to the east of Byng Place. DW says: The ramps on the cycle lane will be very flat though, and the transitions quite smooth so as to minimise interruption of cyclists riding over the raised section when there are no pedestrians. It is a similar situation to the existing crossing at Byng Place, however I intended on designing the ramps at less gradient.
Primrose Hill Road
The proposal is to build a zebra crossing on Primrose Hill Road close to its junction with Ainger Road, near the entrance to Primrose Hill Park where the pavement has been widened.
Click here to see the consultation leaflet
This zebra will provide an enhancement to an existing unmarked crossing into Primrose Hill. I can’t see any problems.
West Heath Road
The proposal is to build a zebra crossing in front of property number 21 on West Heath Road close to its
junction with Platt’s Lane, at the site of the existing pedestrian refuge crossing point
Click here to see the drawing of the scheme
Click here to see the consultation leaflet
This crossing will enable residents south of the road to cross over to West Heath at a location where there is already a pedestrian island. Probably no problems.
Cleveland Street
The proposal is to build a zebra crossing on Cleveland Street, between its junctions with Foley Street and
Riding House Street
Click here to see the drawing of the scheme
Click here to see the consultation leaflet
There crossing provides access to several university buildings in the area. No new build outs, so probably no problem.
CCC’s response
Gordon Square zebra
At a meeting with Damian Wadley and Dave Stewart on 12th March 2006, CCC raised the issue of cyclists moving between the two way cycle track in Gordon Square and Woburn Square. Many students destined for SOAS and Institute of Education cycle through Woburn Square to Russell Square/Thornaugh Street. CCC suggested that the crossing should be move further east to provide protection for those cyclists who have nowhere to wait to turn (neither the cycle track nor the road is safe).
A better solution was proposed: to extend the hatched area of the roadway eastwards, providing a green area with cycle turning signs adjacent to the cycle track. Damian Wadley agreed to study the design in detail. We therefore urge Camden Council to support this solution, which would be very acceptable to CCC.
Another point in favour of the zebra crossing is that it may help with the Gordon Square/Byng Place junction, as it should break up and slow down the westbound flow of traffic.
Primrose Hill, Cleveland Street, West Heath Road
All agreed.
