ALTERNATIVE “cheap and simple” measures to improve safety on a nearly £1million Poole town centre gyratory system have been put forward.

Poole town ward councillor Mark Howell expressed concern that little positive action had resulted to change the Marston/Bay Hog roads which feed the two lifting bridges.

This was despite a critical report by experts raising concerns for pedestrians and cyclists and a select committee review which produced nine recommendations from a detailed action plan.

“Someone else could easily be seriously injured or killed at any time within the gyratory system,” said Cllr Howell.

After the £30,000 review was underway, which concluded it was a “poor” environment for those not in cars, retired architect John Fletcher was seriously injured last October when struck by a car while crossing West Street.

Cllr Howell put forward proposals with an estimated cost of £50,000 to £100,000 compared to £150,000 just for safety features for the West Street/New Orchard junction as proposed by the council.

His suggestions include: 

  • Pedestrian signals in Marston Road at the West Street junction and the realignment of the road and pavement at the corner of Marston Road and West Street.
  •  A reduction of West Street to two lanes, one each way between the Hunger Hill junction and Marston Road, creating two cycle lanes and a wider island at the Marston Road end, and the reduction of West Street to one lane between New Orchard and Bay Hogg Lane, widening the cycle lane.
  •  An island created at the junction of West Street and Bay Hogg Lane to slow traffic.

Andrew Flockhart, strategic director, Borough of Poole said: “In December the council decided that it wants to improve the network linked to the Twin Sails Bridge.

“The safety of the public is our priority. The council wants to be sure that it understands all the consequences of any changes it makes. This means developing detailed proposals that will work and stand the test of time.”