TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT SNOW HILL
Purpose of the Report
To seek the Minister’s approval to convert the existing pelican crossing located on Hill Street, at Snow Hill, to a zebra crossing in the same location.
Background
The condition of the controller which controls the traffic signal for the pelican crossing needs to be replaced with a new unit in the near future. The lanterns have considerably deteriorated in condition and the brightness of the lamps has reduced due to ageing of the lenses.
The evaluation on what would be an appropriate type of crossing to install at this location has changed since the crossing was last updated.
Discussion
Colomberie has been subject to significant change since the Snow Hill pelican crossing equipment was last subject to significant maintenance. The nature and ambience of Colomberie has been changed with the widening of the footpaths, installation of surface dressing, and the addition of traffic calming measures. Traffic speeds in Colomberie are now slower and the whole “feel” of the area is one of being more pedestrian friendly. Vehicle speed measurements have been carried out over a 5 day period, and 85th percentile speeds are now in the order of 19 miles per hour, and traffic flows are moderate. See Table 1.
Pelican type crossings are suitable where vehicular traffic speeds and flows are high and are at their most efficient where crossing distances are fairly long. There are very few gaps in traffic which pedestrians are comfortable to use and vehicle speeds are high. Pelican crossings also require a steady and frequent pedestrian demand to ensure they are used and function regularly so that drivers maintain an awareness of their presence. Pelican crossings are therefore appropriate on roads such as Route du Fort, the ring road and Route de la Haule at locations of high pedestrian demand.
Zebra crossings are appropriate at locations which might be described as more “town centre” in nature, such as Snow Hill. Pedestrian demand is high at this location; therefore drivers are aware of the crossing. Traffic speeds are slow and with regular gaps, which pedestrians perceive as easy to cross.
A survey of pedestrian behaviour has also been carried out at the existing crossing, the results of which are summarised at Table 2. This shows that the majority of pedestrians are crossing at this location without using the traffic signals, so traffic flows are such that a zebra crossing will function efficiently at this location.
Conclusion
A zebra type crossing with belisha beacons is now a more appropriate type of crossing to be installed at the location of the current Snow Hill pelican crossing.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the change of the pelican type pedestrian crossing located at Snow Hill, to a zebra type pedestrian crossing.
Reason(s) for Decisions
To allow the installation of a crossing type more suited to the site conditions at Snow Hill and to ensure a timely replacement of aging equipment.
Action Required
The Manager, Traffic and Street Works is to make the necessary arrangements to carry out the work on site to install a zebra crossing, in accordance with the appropriate legislation, and with belisha beacons.
Written by: | R J R Cabot Assistant Traffic Engineer |
Approved by: | Caroline Anderson Director of Transport |
Attachments: Table 1, Table 2
Date: Wednesday 1st August 2007
Table 1
Date | Total Vehicles | Mean Speed | 50th Percentile | 85th Percentile | |
16/07/2007 | 2261 | 13.66 MPH | 13.45 MPH | 18.19 MPH | Counter deployed early am |
17/07/2007 | 3317 | 14.02 MPH | 13.90 MPH | 18.52 MPH | |
18/07/2007 | 3597 | 13.98 MPH | 13.73 MPH | 18.46 MPH | |
19/07/2007 | 3619 | 13.67 MPH | 13.54 MPH | 18.34 MPH | |
20/07/2007 | 442 | 15.63 MPH | 15.90 MPH | 19.77 MPH | counter recovered early am |
Table 2
Summary of Data Collected at Crossings | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Crossing | | |
Snow Hill Pelican | Vehicles | Pedestrians |
Date | Time | Direction 1 | | On Crossing | Off Crossing | Crossing without using lights | Crossing Activation |
17.07.07 | 0800-0815 | 78 | | 10 | 43 | 14 | 6 |
| 0815-0830 | 56 | | 3 | 60 | 19 | 3 |
| 0830-0845 | 68 | | 4 | 68 | 35 | 3 |
| 0845-0900 | 62 | | 8 | 81 | 42 | 5 |
| | 264 | | 25 | 252 | 110 | 17 |
| | | | | | | |
18.07.07 | 1030-1045 | 75 | | 13 | 52 | 57 | 3 |
| 1045-1100 | 54 | | 21 | 44 | 39 | 10 |
| 1100-1115 | 55 | | 7 | 53 | 32 | 4 |
| 1115-1130 | 74 | | 23 | 51 | 27 | 7 |
| Hours Total | 258 | | 64 | 200 | 155 | 24 |
| | | | | | | |
17.07.07 | 1430-1445 | 41 | | 18 | 70 | 36 | 7 |
| 1445-1500 | 55 | | 7 | 54 | 49 | 4 |
| 1500-1515 | 62 | | 27 | 53 | 44 | 9 |
| 1515-1530 | 51 | | 14 | 61 | 56 | 7 |
| Hours Total | 209 | | 66 | 238 | 185 | 27 |
| | | | | | | |
17.07.07 | 1700-1715 | 62 | | 20 | 77 | 83 | 8 |
| 1715-1730 | 59 | | 37 | 54 | 61 | 10 |
| 1730-1745 | 66 | | 5 | 56 | 61 | 3 |
| 1745-1800 | 58 | | 0 | 58 | 45 | 0 |
| Hours Total | 245 | | 62 | 245 | 250 | 21 |
| | | | | | | |
| Daily Average | 244 | | 54 | 234 | 175 | 22 |
| | | | | On Crossing | Combined | |
| PV² | | | | 1.39E+07 | 2.43E+07 | |