Open Street Map Cycle Map Location
The school travel plan scheme proposes:
- Move the zebra at Croftdown Road to north of the junction and remove the speed table
- Add two road humps, one outside La Sainte Union and the other just south of the northern entrance to Grove Terrace
- add some 20 mph signage
Click here to see the consultation leaflet .
CCC’s response
This response to the consultation from Camden on the proposed scheme on Highgate Road near Croftdown Road is from Camden Cycling Campaign, the local borough group of London Cycling Campaign (LCC). We have approximately 650 members and represent the interests of cyclists living or working in the borough of Camden. We consulted our members by email on this issue and this response reflects the views of the membership.
CCC object strongly to all aspects of this scheme except the proposed road markings on the following grounds.
- We do not believe that moving the zebra will benefit most people crossing the road and will actually disbenefit those crossing west to east and heading south or east or vice versa and those heading to and from the Heath. A recent informal survey showed that about 50% of those crossing from west to east in the peak afternoon time for school children then headed south or east, not north. A majority of these used the existing zebra crossing and they will not be likely to detour to the new location. The result will likely be MORE children crossing off the zebra, not fewer. In any case, the route from the schools to the bus stop is no shorter using the new zebra location, which only serves to remove the crossing of Croftdown Road, not a major safety issue. The current crossing is fine, heavily used and well-located for access to the Heath, as well as to William Ellis. It also makes it easier for cyclists turning right out of Croftdown Road.
- Removal of the raised junction is a retrograde step. The current raised junction incorporating a zebra is a good solution as it slows traffic just where pedestrians cross and at a junction. It was installed only a few years ago, at quite large expense. Removing it would have negative effects and be a huge waste of money.
- Road humps are very unpopular with road users including bus passengers and cyclists and and cause motorists to slow and accelerate even more than speed tables – they will actually encourage motorists to accelerate towards the crossing.
- School Travel Plans are supposed to be strategic plans to encourage children to walk, cycle and use public transport to get to school more safely, not for expensive but minor local changes such as moving a zebra crossing by a few yards. We think that a much better use of funds would be the simple solution of enforcing the existing 20 mph speed limit.
We think that a much better use of funds would be the simple solution of enforcing the existing 20 mph speed limit.
John Chamberlain
February 17th 2010
