The Other Side of the Park

As can be seen in this shot, the path from the park to the cutting is seamless with no clear delineation of space for pedestrian and motor car, or any warning signs. The flowers mark the spot where the poor toddler, Clinton Pringle was hit by a van.

A pedal cyclists and pedestrian shared route sign is the only warning sign when you leave the park and actually step onto what is a road surface traversed by cars.

But what about the other side, where the play area is? How safe is that?

The road is one way, and it is tarmac surface until it comes towards the corner. There are bollards to indicate pavement area and road surface, although once you enter the part where it is all paved, this is not as obvious as a marker.

On the corner is the Gas Place Cafe, and it can be seen that its entrance comes out on a blind corner.  This road is paved but at least there are bollards, and the paving has a strip marking out the road quite clearly

But this road is something of a "rat run" used as a shortcut to cars wanting to get to the Co-Op, or simply to the St Saviour's ring road, as can be seen by the cars coming down here - the time is around 2.30 pm. The park is just across the road.

A photo just round a bit shows how much of a blind corner this is. The bollards and the paving do delineate road surface, but cars sometimes come round at around 10 miles per hour. There are NO signs suggesting a low speed limit, and NO signs warning the motorist that this is a blind corner. 

Slow down! Blind corner is ahead. Blind corners exist because of a curve, landscaping, parking cars or a hill. In all cases, a blind corner sign gives everyone advanced warning of the potential for a vehicle to suddenly appear.

• Conspicuous yellow signs alert oncoming traffic that dangerous and hidden intersection is ahead.

• Signs are not just for cars… but, they are used for bikes as well.  Everyone has blind spots; everyone needs a “heads up”.

However, if it is felt that a compromise is needed between the aesthetics of park and pavement, this kind of signage would do equally well.

While there has not been an accident here, the nature of the blind corner and the exit of the Gas Place Cafe increases the risk substantially. Moreoever, this road is used by many more cars than the other side. Another accident spot needing better signage.