£100K Carlton Bridge Deemed 'Fiscal Fiasco' by Critics

People living near a new pedestrian crossing in Carlton say it is a waste of public money. Nottinghamshire County Council endorsed the plans for a new puffin crossing in Westdale Lane, Carlton ,, from Adbolton Avenue to Darley Avenue on February 3.

Puffin crossings employ sensors to identify when pedestrians are awaiting passage and once they have completed their crossing, aiming for increased safety and efficiency. The installation of this new crossing involves constructing elevated portions of sidewalk that extend into the roadway where people typically cross informally at present.

The crossing project will require an investment of £100,000, funded by a government grant to the county council. Nevertheless, several local residents living on the street believe this improvement is unnecessary.

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Local resident Gordon Donaldson, who raised objections against the proposals, has resided on Westdale Lane for half a decade. He contends that the pedestrian crossing is "a complete waste of resources," arguing that the street experiences minimal daily traffic.

Mr Donaldson informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We aren't opposing the crossing just for the sake of being difficult; the statistics they're citing to back their case are completely disproportionate and based on post-pandemic data. Traffic isn't a significant issue around here. These figures are wildly inaccurate."

The amount of pedestrian activity doesn't warrant spending £100,000 on constructing the crossing. It would be extravagant, particularly since local government funds are typically limited.

The funds must be utilized prudently. Instead of spending them on an infrequently used crossing, they ought to employ alternative strategies like installing early warning indicators. The rationale behind investing in something with minimal usage eludes me.

According to a council survey, 148 pedestrians utilize the informal crossing on Westdale Lane each day, with an additional 93 people using another crossing near the local Co-op store. The same survey indicated that approximately 9,100 cars pass through this area daily.

Another resident challenged the placement of the crossing, stating it is "unnecessary" for the neighborhood.

The occupant, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "We have attempted to present feasible solutions for this matter. No one desires it in the vicinity; it serves no purpose. It is merely an unnecessary expense."

We reside here to observe how frequently individuals are using the pedestrian crossing. It remains largely unused. Most passengers disembark from the bus and proceed to cross at the point where they alight, resulting in minimal usage of that stretch of roadway.

They're pleading for a crossing further along the road close to the school.

She mentioned that crossing would also create problems for her when trying to park in her driveway because of the zigzag markings.

She stated: "This means we’ll be losing a parking spot right outside our home. I will have to stop at those white chevrons and wait, essentially being compelled to break a rule set out in the highway code."

It also states that you shouldn't back out onto the main road. It's futile.

Another resident, who has lived in the area for 25 years, also said the location of the crossing was not ideal – and said it would be much more useful nearer to schools in the area.

She said: “The amount of people who cross the road is nothing like the council claims. The statistics are well out of date. The crossing should be further up by the school.

“People have been asking for a crossing near the school for a long time. Surely the safety of children should matter, so a crossing there would be needed.”

Cllr Andrew Ellwood (Lib Dem), the councillor for the Phoenix Ward where the puffin crossing will be built, said he had raised concerns over its location.

He informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service, "I have no objection to having a crossing per se, but the proposed site is not appropriate. I suggested positioning the crossing farther down Westdale Lane across from the Co-op store instead. This alternative spot would enhance pedestrian safety and disrupt fewer homes."

Councillor Ellwood commented further: "At their current proposed location, children heading to the local school would be required to cross both streets along Adbolton Avenue. Given how quickly vehicles tend to travel through this area, my concern lies with ensuring safety for these young pedestrians. It’s essential that we find an alternative route which keeps them away from crossing at Adbolton Avenue."

LDRS approached Nottinghamshire County Council for a comment but did not get an answer.