Road casualty debate in the City of London
There has been much debate in the City recently concerning the high level of casualties involving pedestrians and Cyclists. You can find most of the early discussion here on CityBeast. Have a look and then say your bit here.
Peter Wynne Rees says he is not complacent, but he then goes on to refer to the “inevitable” accidents. We need a safety strategy where the underlying principle is that all accidents can be avoided.
Aug 16 09:19
The City of London could be said to be the blueprint for virtually every city centre in Britain in that the provisions for motor vehicles, of which there are few, dominates the space available for all modes of movement . Pedestrians of whom there are many seem to be completely ignored by engineers and planners. The City of London could take the opportunity to become a beacon in a new way of thinking that the pedestrian should take priority.
AP City of London
I was very nearly run over this morning at 6.30am, crossing Great Sutton Street at the corner of Goswell Road. There was very little traffic about, and (despite that) I witnessed some very aggressive and reckless driving. Police presence was of course nil. The trainers at my gym, around the corner, confirmed that drivers frequently come out of Gee Street and zig-zag across Goswell Road at great speed, with no regard for pedestrians who might happen to be in the middle of the streets that the drivers turn into
I have lived in many cities and travel frequently. Traffic is more chaotic in some cities, such as Delhi, but I have to say that I see more aggressive driving in London than in Delhi, New York, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. Drivers seem to assume here that they ALWAYS have a right of way over pedestrians, unless they are at a zebra crossing or a solid red light (god forbid that you should be in the middle of the road when it is flashing amber – you won’t stand a chance). Regardless of whether the driver is turning onto or off of a main street, regardless of whether the pedestrian was already in the middle of the road, regardless of whether the pedestrian has any difficulty walking . . .
I believe that is simply wrong, and I think local authorities and police should take action to re-educate drivers. There will be a cost – a greater police presence on the roads for a start. But the benefit would be fewer casualties, and a calmer city environment.
Anyway, at least I arrived at the gym with my heart pumping – nothing like a life-threatening experience to get your adrenalin going.
I am a barrister, and my chambers are in Holborn. I am constantly horrified by the drivers in the City racing from traffic light to traffic light. I will never forget a collision that I saw between a car and a pedestrian it will stay with me for ever. I really think that some consideration should be given to how these drivers are dealt with and by the design of the roads.
Harrow on the Hill