Why is the council going ahead with an outdated design for Tuckton roundabout?
Council policy is that they want more people, including schoolchildren, walking and cycling.
Current research suggests that a roundabout design with a single-lane entry/single-lane exit (rather than a dual carriageway style) is safer and enables a smooth and safe flow of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. And yet the council are pressing ahead with an old-fashioned design that doesn’t allow people to walk or cycle safely. Why?
Other places around the world are questioning their road designs and priorities. London is looking at a concept called 'Vision Zero'. This applies the same principles to road design policy as are used in industries such as construction, where circumstances related to any worker’s injury or death are investigated and measures put in place to prevent it happening again.
The aim is to have zero preventable deaths on our roads. Many cities have used this to drastically reduce the number of incidents.
In Poole and Bournemouth we have had a five-year-old and a seven-year-old die whilst walking to school within the last 14 months.
It is high time the council took the 'Vision Zero' approach and stopped using roads design that focuses on increasing car speeds rather than on improving safety, health and well-being for all.
DR FELICITY RICE
Middle Road, Poole
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