So now it’s official – ‘It’s safe’, of November 14. The controversial crossing outside the new Regent Circus development is safe, apart from a few minor improvements Councillor Dale Heenan gave his usual platitudes about the need to listen to residents’ concerns but would not admit that what is really needed is the restoration of the pedestrian-controlled traffic lights. The cost of this work would be borne by the developers, so why pay consultants for more audits and surveys?
These lights were originally installed years ago when traffic flow was lighter. If they were deemed necessary then there is an even greater need for their restoration today with increased traffic congestion around this site, even before the new development began.
The new ‘shared space’ crossing relies on eye contact between drivers and pedestrians for both groups to decide when it is safe to cross. Blind people do not have this facility, but, of course, apart from the usual patronising comments from officers and councillors, visually impaired residents, of which there are over 200 in Swindon, have long accepted that their opinion does not matter to those who seek to control our lives.
I am registered blind but I will not risk my life using this particular crossing until the traffic lights are restored.
I hope the present administration realises that while blind people may be ignored now, their influence at next year’s local elections could be significant.
John Vickery Chairman Swindon Blind Association
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