Pedestrian calls for better zebra crossing safety on A31

The two zebra crossings either side of the ‘Walk of Art’ underpass off Gravel Lane in Ringwood have become “downright dangerous” according to residents after A31 roadworks caused the slip roads housing the crossings to be used as diversions.

Natalie Murphy, 70, says she has contacted National Highways over her concerns that the diversions have caused the crossings to be missed by drivers.

She told the Echo: “There was always a problem crossing the slip roads as some drivers didn’t want to stop to allow the users to cross. Now, it’s downright dangerous. The eastbound slip is part of the diversion for traffic headed from Ringwood to the west and vice versa. I see the possibility of someone getting seriously injured.

Concern over A31 slip road zebra crossing safety in Ringwood. Picture: Google

“The speed that some cars are doing along that slip road is frightening, all the drivers want to do is keep going – too much inconvenience to stop for pedestrians and cyclists alike.”

On one occasion, the retired council worker was crossing when a driver kept their speed up and had to break hard to avoid hitting her. Another time, two cars were approaching in each lane. One slowed to allow Natalie to cross, while the other carried on and nearly hit her. When she indicated to the driver to slow down and gestured toward the zebra crossing lines, the driver stuck his middle finger up at her and drove off.

Shaken by this, the Gravel Lane resident wrote to National Highways and suggested reducing the slip road to one lane while diversions were in place. She has not had a response.

A31 zebra crossing by Walk of Art underpass in Ringwood. Picture: Google

She added: “Some drivers clearly just don’t care. People want to get going and I understand that, but it’s a zebra crossing. I don’t know the answers but the way I see it is if you reduce the lanes to just one, you reduce the chances of an accident.

“God knows what’s going to happen in the summer when tourists begin to travel down.

“This is why I’m speaking out about it and trying to get something done. I’d hate to think that nothing was said and then there’s a tragedy at that crossing. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

Daniel Kittredge, National Highways' project lead for the A31 said: “The traffic management arrangements for the work on the A31 at Ringwood are continuously monitored. Anyone concerned by any particular aspect of the traffic management or diversion routes should contact the project team and we will look into the issue as a matter of urgency.”