The Petition of residents of Hove and Portslade and others,

Declares that the petitioners have serious concerns about the safety of pedestrians using the crossroads at the junction between Old Shoreham Road, Neville Road and Sackville Road; further declares that the Petitioners are concerned that there are no pedestrian crossings on the north or southbound carriageways at the junctions on Neville and Sackville roads, and believe that there is an urgent need for a safe and effective pedestrian crossing at this site.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge Ministers in the Department for Transport to take steps to ensure that a crossing is placed at this juncture to ensure the safety of pedestrians at this crossing.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Ms Celia Barlow, Official Report, 9 February 2010; Vol. 505, c. 884.]

[P000732]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport:

Old Shoreham Road is a local road for which West Sussex county council has responsibility. The provision of pedestrian facilities on this and adjoining roads is for them to consider.

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 confers on local highway authorities the power to establish crossings for pedestrians on roads in their area. The signing, road markings, etc that form these crossings are prescribed in the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997.

The Department for Transport has produced guidance to highway authorities regarding the assessment method to be used when considering the provision and type of pedestrian crossings. This is contained in Local Transport Note 1/95, “The Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings”. The note recommends a framework method to encourage informed decisions as to whether a crossing in necessary and, if so, which type should be used. There is guidance on assessing such factors as difficulty of crossing, local representations and cost (including maintenance).