Councillor spearheads crossing campaign (From Messenger Newspapers)

Broadheath councillor spearheads crossing campaign

4:00pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

Cllr Wilkinson with residents at the A56/Park Road junction

BROADHEATH councillor Jacki Wilkinson is campaigning for a pedestrian crossing on the A56 at the junction of Park Road, West Timperley.

Cllr Wilkinson started the campaign after a coroner investigating the circumstances of a fatal accident at the junction last year found that pedestrians only have four seconds to cross the busy four lane highway. The coroner also expressed his concern that there is no central refuge for pedestrians crossing the road.

Cllr Wilkinson said: “Many residents have contacted me recently about this junction. Parents have told me that it is so difficult to cross on foot, that they have no choice but to drive their children to nearby Park Road and St. Hugh’s primary schools, adding to traffic congestion.”

Commuters walking to nearby Metrolink stations are also complaining about the dangerous junction, and asking for more time to cross safely.

Cllr Wilkinson added: “I am starting a campaign for a better crossing and will be pressing for a meeting with the council’s executive member for highways as soon as possible. Residents can join my campaign by emailing me at jacki.wilkinson@trafford.gov.uk.”

Trafford Council is considering how pedestrian safety could be improved at the junction.

Director of environment, transport and operations, Peter Molyneux, said: "We will be consulting with ward councillors and residents in the next few weeks on possible improvements to the junction.

“Following this, work will start on an improvement scheme to reduce traffic congestion on Manchester Road, which will also incorporate facilities to assist pedestrians using this junction."