Bristol MP critical of traffic lights switch-off locations
MP for Bristol East, Kerry McCarthy, has criticised the city council's shortlist of sites for traffic light switch-offs.
Bristol City Council has nominated seven sets of lights which it will consider for a trial switch-off in the new year, depending on feedback from the public.
But Ms McCarthy says she is disappointed, arguing roundabouts should have been included.
Posting on her blog, she said: "I'm disappointed with the council's response to the Evening Post campaign to reduce the number of traffic lights in Bristol city centre.
"They've come up with seven sets of lights shortlisted for a potential switch-off. But why are none of them on roundabouts?"
Council officers made the list based on suggestions from the public on our website and our letters page.
In the city centre they are at the Prince Street roundabout by Broad Quay, and junction of Union Street and Nelson Street in Broadmead.
Saville Road and Stoke Road near Westbury Park is a four-way junction, as is Whiteladies Road and Tyndall's Park Road in Clifton.
The junction of East Street and British Road in Bedminster is a busy pedestrian crossing.
The lights at Averay Road and Bell Hill in Eastville, and the lights at Chalks Road and Whitehall Road in Whitehall are the final two options.
Depending on a safety assessment, as many as three sets of lights could be switched off for a two- to six-week period in the new year.
Executive member for transport Councillor Jon Rogers stressed the seven were just the first phase.
He said: "We have intentionally gone for those that officers have suggested might be safest and have the least damaging impact on congestion. Lights at roundabouts have been installed particularly for safety reasons."
We want to know what you think. Of the seven sets of lights on the shortlist, which would you remove?
To submit your feedback on the council shortlist, email epnews@bepp.co.uk, call 0117 934 3330 or write to Bristol Evening Post, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD.
4 Comments
by John, Redland
Saturday, November 14 2009, 11:00AM
“With regard to M32/J3, although I would be the first to agree that the addition of lights at this junction was long overdue at peak hours, I am not so convinced that this is true for quieter times.
Are there any statistics available for the times of day when accidents occurred at this junction?
I am sure a good argument could be made for the wholesale conversion of many of the cities junctions which are not combined with pedestrian crossings to part-time control. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting at a red light for minutes at 2am where there is no other traffic in sight.”
by Cllr Dr Jon Rogers, Exec Member for Transport
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 1:05PM
“Paul has the excellent suggestion that, "that all this information/feedback/results is held somewhere accessible to the public"?
I am very keen that information is accessible, so I will pass this request to officer colleagues. Thank you.”
by Paul, Bristol
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 11:27AM
“Hi Jon, many thanks for your continued feedback on this issue.
I too was a little disappointed not to see any traffic lights based on roundabouts chosen, but also realise that we must start somewhere and that somewhere must be with the less risky junctions if this is to work.
Just one further request...
Would it be possible rather than drip feeding us information such as J3 of the M32 that all this information/feedback/results is held somewhere accessible to the public? Reasons why certain junctions were chosen/omitted? Criteria for classing the junction as a success? How results are gathered/analysed. All this information would be very useful and would demonstrate the Council is taking this seriously.”
by Cllr Dr Jon Rogers, Exec Member for Transport
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 8:42AM
“It is excellent that Kerry McCarthy MP is looking carefully at the Evening Post's traffic light campaign and encouraging the Council to consider switching off traffic lights at roundabouts, particularly off peak.
This is certainly something we are looking at, but officers recommended, and I agreed, that we should first trial any "switch offs" at less risky locations.
For example, my officers advise me that, "The roundabout at J3 of the M32 had an average of 1.2 accidents per month prior to the signals being installed. With the signals the accident rate has fallen to 0.5 accidents per month.
"To switch the lights off part time would leave the same dangerous roundabout as before but would most likely be more dangerous as the roundabout lining and layout is no longer designed to operate without signals."
Comments on the seven suggested sites, both in favour and against, would be much appreciated.
Jon”