All posts in the topic Headington Crossroads (Short link)
Summary
- There are 6 posts — by 6 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Marie Vickers at Oct 14 08:41 UTC
Hi All ! :)
I just wondered if anyone here feels a little frustrated with the crazy ( Turn
Right scheme ) at Headington Crossroads ? Perhaps it's just me, but it always
seems to be tricky in going across from Windmill Road to Old High Street or
vice versa. I don't think it will be too long until there is an accident,
unless one has already happened ?
Many Thanks,
Alex. =8¬)
I'm glad you've raised this issue, Alex, as I have been corresponding with the County Council planners about residents' safety concerns on a regular basis since the local government elections in May. The PCSO for Headington North raised concern about the safety of cyclists at this junction in particular. This is the latest response from the County Officer in charge of Road Safety: "As you will be aware, the changes to the traffic light phasing here were introduced in late 2007 to help improve traffic flows. We have been monitoring safety here very closely, and although there have been two reported accidents (one resulting in serious injury to an elderly pedestrian, and one resulting in slight injury to a pedal cyclist) neither appear to have been in any way related to the changes. It is nevertheless worrying to hear about the recent incidents; we are now working on the next phase of the London Road project covering the length between Osler Road and Wharton Road, and one objective will be to make the shopping area as friendly a place as possible for pedestrians, and an important part of this will be trying to achieve consistently low speeds on the approach to , and through the junction. We hope to consult on the proposals in the spring 2009, which will be an opportunity for all users to express their views and help shape the scheme. I appreciate in the meantime there will be ongoing concerns here - I have to be honest by saying that there is probably very little that we can offer in the short term , although perhaps should also mention that the reduction in queuing as a result of the changes last year can be expected to help address some wider safety problems in the area caused for example by vehicles turning through queuing traffic, and these need to be balanced against the risks of injury at the junction itself" David and I have requested that cycling-related issues including safety form a major part of the agenda for an up and coming area committee meeting and Dee has agreed to this. I also have a meeting scheduled next week regarding cycle routes in Old Headington and am hoping to talk to the planners about this issue too. The hazards related to this junction are not just confined to cyclists though. My view is that, because motorists know that the junction is extremely dangerous, they take more care, and this is why the accidents figure hasn't gone through the roof. Please post up near misses and accidents as you witness them either here or on the councillors' website http://headingtonlibdems.org.uk as I want to monitor this very closely as a matter of highest priority
Please post up near misses and accidents as you witness them either here or on the councillors' website http://headingtonlibdems.org.uk as I want to monitor this very closely as a matter of highest priority Does this include the abundance of pedestrian's that won't wait for the green light to cross, and as a consequence play dodgems with the traffic. And what about the bloody minded cyclists that jump the red light, they play dodgems with the traffic and the pedestrian's. Do they all count as near misses?
Headington Crossroads
Thank you Ruth for getting cycling in Headington onto the City area
committee agenda. I agree with you that local drivers who know the
dangers of the crossroads probably do take more care; unfortunately as
this is a major route into the City and to our hospitals there are many
who are new. If I am on the bicycle I often dismount, and push my bike
across using the pedestrian crossings, as I do not feel safe stopped in
the middle of the road waiting to turn right into Windmill Road. In
addition the number of buses and coaches using the crossroads adds to
the 'unsafe feel' to the junction as a cyclist. However, we are told
(by County & City officers) that it is the number of recorded accidents
that lead to changes.
Cllr Roz Smith
Barton & Churchill Division
Tel. 01865 750 731
Mob. 07722 840 117
Liberal Democrats - Putting People First
Interestingly I witnessed an 'incident' there just this evening.
I was cycling from Windmill Road into Old High Street. A young student-type was
turning right from London Road into Windmill Road. It was dark and I think (but
am not sure) that there were no lights on her bike. Not to be condoned of
course, but the junction is reasonabley well lit. I didn't see what happened,
but I believe she got caught up in cars trying to turn right quickly
immediately following the change of light to red. As she passed me as I was
waiting I heard a panicky cry from her. I couldn't investigate as I had to move
off at that point.
Definitely a junction wher you have to keep your wits about you and watch the
other traffic very carefully. As someone else has said, the kamikaze
pedestrians also add to the tension!
As a pedestrian I always wait for the 'green man' signal before crossing roads.
Two matters trouble me about the traffic lights at Headington crossoads.
Firstly, there is no auditory signal when it is safe to cross. Secondly, the
'green man' signal begins to fade when I am in the centre of the road and has
always disappeared by the time I reach the other side. I walk at a reasonable
pace but sometimes wonder whether I should wait in the centre island when
crossing London Road and press the button again - for fear that traffic
(already revving up in anticipation of moving off) will hit me before I have
completely crossed to the other pavement.
I would like the County Council to recalibrate the traffic signals so that
there is enough time for people who walk slowly - perhaps when holding the hand
of a toddler - can be confident that they can safely cross the road.
Marie Vickers