Plans deferred for new zebra crossing on 'dicing with death' Biggleswade High Street

Publicity of the scheme coincided with the start of the coronavirus lockdown, a Central Bedfordshire Council traffic management meeting heard.

It meant residents, including local councillors, were unable to respond to the project through the usual channels.

High Street runs through the town centre joining the B659 to the west and London Road to the east, according to a council report.

“The proposal is part of a larger scheme which aims to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities in Biggleswade,” said the report.

“This crossing provides a key link between High Street, Crab Lane and residential areas to the north of the town centre.”

The public consultation was from March 20 to April 10 and no objections were received.

Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Steve Watkins said: “Overall, I’m really pleased to see this scheme, as it joins up the cycleways north and south, and it’s a dicing with death crossing point for commuters.

“The town council didn’t see the consultation for whatever reason, and I know it would be prepared to support joint funding for a pelican crossing.”

Independent Biggleswade South councillor Hayley Whitaker said: “I am in favour of this proposal, but I would ask you to defer it for one cycle to give residents and the town council a chance to comment.

“This was issued three days before formal lockdown began, when residents were far more focused in staying safe than on zebra crossings.

“They weren’t going about their normal business and wouldn’t have seen the signage up.

“I don’t think this is proposal is going to be in any way controversial, but I am aware residents would like to see road markings around this area improved.

“I would ask that this consultation be run again and people are far more likely to engage now.”

The crossing is due to be installed near the junction with The Baulk.

Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Ian Bond said the town council was prepared to contribute some money towards its preference for a pelican crossing when it previously discussed the issue.

Traffic management team leader Paul Salmon explained: “The reason this was looked at for a zebra is the infrastructure is far more significant for a pelican.

“It was felt a zebra was far more appropriate for traffic control, rather than a push button control and having a red light there.

“The visibility is better in both directions at the point where it is now.

“This is a section 106 funded scheme, which has been in the pipeline for quite some time.”

Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno, who chairs the meeting, said: “While I am quite satisfied with the location that’s proposed, I am going to defer it for one cycle to allow consultation with the town council.

“The council hasn’t had the chance to respond to this and I think it’s very important that it does.”