Road safety fears over misuse of pedestrian crossings in Laois

Laois people are not using pedestrian crossings safely according to Portlaoise councillors who fear that a planned new "courtesy crossing" will not be respected.

Laois has many of the low cost painted crossings which rely on pedestrians to wait until the driver sees them and stops before they cross the road.

Now another is being proposed, at the entrance to the Esker Hills housing estate in Portlaoise.

Laois County Council agreed to a request to install the painted road crossing in the coming weeks.

It was made in a motion tabled by Cllr Thomasina Connell to the October meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

She believes it will make the area much safer for pedestrians, describing road danger at present in the area.

"This is a highlighted area so drviers must adhere to pedestrians crossing. So many people cross the Ridge Road at Green Mill Lane and cross at Esker Hills which has 550 units.

"I frequently see scooters and see instances where a car doesn't stop. I want it put in front of the estate. The residents are doing great work there," she said. 

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald and Cllr Willie Aird are concerned at the lack of road awareness.

"Since you've widened the junction at Green Mill Lane, a lot more people are crossing . I'm waiting on one for the Mountrath road at the railway bridge. It's grand when motorists adhere, but I see a lot of occasions where motorists don't stop. I't looking as it you depend on the courtesy of the driver. I'm not opposed, they are better than nothing, but I wouldn't like to see them take over from traditional pedestrian crossings. They are very difficult for peole in wheelchairs. I shudder when I see kids on the Mountrath Road. When I've enough discretionary money I'll give it for a proper pedestrian crossing," he said.

"People are not stopping, but people are not putting their foot out and waiting either. There are people walking straight out and not waiting. I hope the courtesy crossing works but I'd be a bit nervous of it as well. I'd like to see drivers, pedestrians, scooters being more aware," Cllr Fitzgerald said.

The engineer Wes Wilkinson explained the difference between crossings.

"One is controlled, the other uncontrolled. Controlled crossings including zebra and pelican crossings have traffic lights and red tactile paving. If you put your foot out it's the same as a red light. 

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"Uncontrolled or courtesy crossings have no lights, and rely on the attention of the driver and pedestrians to manage the crossing of the road. They highlight regularly used locations for crossing and are easy and quick to install," he said.

The Road Safety Authority gives the following guidance on Courtesy Crossings. 

"Pedestrians should only enter uncontrolled crossing places (courtesy crossing) ensuring that all traffic is aware of their presence if crossing the road. Motorists entering uncontrolled crossing places (courtesy crossing) should react by driving very slowly, aware of the potential dangers of pedestrians using the area".