Lib Dems secure council promise to ensure pedestrian safety

5.17.37pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 4th Dec 2006

Haringey Council and Thames Water contractors have promised to consider new measures to ensure the safety of pedestrians when carrying out roadworks in the borough. The promise came following complaints made by Crouch End Lib Dem Councillors over the poor organisation of roadworks on Crouch End Broadway.

Last month Thames Water's works on the Broadway had resulted in barricades being erected around the clocktower and the closure of the pedestrian crossing at the junction, as well as the suspension of the crossing outside Budgens. There were therefore no safe pedestrian crossings in use at all from Coleridge Road to Middle Lane, resulting in a serious safety concern for those on foot who use the Broadway.

Ward Councillors Lyn Weber and David Winskill brought the matter to the Council's attention, demanding that action be taken. Meetings between Thames Water, Murphys, London Borough of Haringey were set up and attended by the Councillors.

As a result, the Council has promised that in similar circumstances it will ensure safer routes in the future, look at the possibility of using wardens to patrol dangerous crossings, and use better signage to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Councillor Lyn Weber comments: "I am very pleased that the Council have seen the problems here and agreed to act on them. We need to make sure that there is more joined-up thinking when it comes to contractors carrying out work in the borough, and safety must be the first concern of any future work."

Councillor Dave Winskill adds: "I am glad that we were able to assist here - clearly, there was no awareness that safety was at risk, and I urge the Council to make sure that similar works, happening across the borough all the time, are examined in order to maximise safety on our roads."