UPDATE 20 July 2024
Councillors asked TfL to provide the rationale behind having a zebra crossing over a signal controlled crossing and we've been provided with the following response:
"There are advantages and disadvantages to both signalised and zebra crossings and these are determined by pedestrian flows, vehicle flows, vehicle speeds and site-specific issues.
At signal-controlled crossings, pedestrians should wait for a green pedestrian signal before crossing. At this site this is likely to create two issues. Firstly, pedestrians will choose to cross before a green pedestrian signal is given or, if pedestrians do wait, the narrow northern footway could become congested during peak periods of footfall, especially when passengers alight from eastbound buses.
A zebra crossing empowers pedestrians to exert immediate priority over vehicles, one advantage of which will be prevention of overcrowding on the footway.
We also looked to widen the northern footway but this wasn’t feasible as it could only be achieved by taking Common Land, which was not possible, or by narrowing the carriageway and removing the pedestrian refuge island. Where we have removed such islands this often results in complaints from disabled pedestrians who feel more vulnerable without them.
Our speed survey results show that the use of a zebra crossing is here is appropriate for the speed at which vehicles use this road".
TfL have responded to other questions on the consultation page: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/godstone-road-pedestrian-crossing.
---
Kenley and Riddlesdown residents now have the opportunity to comment on a proposal for a new pedestrian crossing on Godstone Road, between Riddlesdown Common and the Kenley shopping parade, near the junction with Hayes Lane.
Have Your Say: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/godstone-road-pedestrian-crossing.
Background: For nearly two decades, Kenley residents and councillors have lobbied Transport for London (TfL) for a safer crossing over the busy A22 from the Co-op in Kenley to Riddlesdown Common. This crossing is especially busy during school times, with hundreds of schoolchildren using it to get to Riddlesdown Collegiate. It is also a key route for accessing buses and Riddlesdown Common. Concerns about the crossing date were highlighted in a 2011 petition to the Mayor of London by Riddlesdown Collegiate pupils, calling for a safe crossing solution. Unfortunately, accidents have occurred at this location, including a recent incident involving a child.
In recent years, local residents, led by Nicala Lawrence, and councillors have renewed negotiations with TfL for a safer crossing. We are pleased to see that TfL has responded with a new proposal, with construction anticipated in early 2025.
The Proposal: The proposed crossing includes a zebra crossing on a raised table, a widened island, and new road markings and signage. Kenley councillors and a local resident have met with officers from Croydon's highways team on-site to evaluate the proposal’s safety, feasibility, and impact on traffic flow. While I am broadly satisfied with the design, I will ask TfL to consider some amendments to further enhance safety for the high volume of children using the crossing at the start and end of school.
I encourage you to review the proposal and take a few minutes to share your views with TfL. I believe this is a significant safety improvement for our community.
Cover photo taken by Paul Keating.
