No time to cross

IN response to the article Bike Crash Fury (Journal December 19) myself, my husband and my dog were also involved in a near-miss incident at a crossing on Bloodmoor roundabout the other evening.

We were halfway across when a car came from the direction of Lowestoft Road, heading towards Elm Tree Road.

It was dark and it didn't stop. We were very lucky it didn't hit us. In defence of the driver though, I can see how it happened.

It is almost impossible for a pedestrian to cross the four lanes in the time allowed. The green man turns to red when you are three quarters of the way across.

If the corresponding lights to the traffic have begun to change, it's not surprising the drivers keep going.

We were being pulled across the road by a very young dog and are fit and healthy adults - still we weren't quick enough!

How would an elderly person, disabled person or someone with a toddler get across the road in time before the oncoming drivers, who only have time to glance at the traffic lights, drive over the crossing.

The roundabout is too busy with too many junctions, lights and crossings for a driver to consider.

At night it is even worse due to the many red, green lights visible to confuse a driver. I am a driver, sometimes a pedestrian, have a daughter the same sort of age as India, mentioned in the article and a son learning to drive.

I would think the chances of one of us witnessing or being involved in another incident are very high. I hope not!

Could the timing of the crossings be changed?

The new bypass is a pleasure to drive on, what with the constant 'up-keep' of the trees, bushes, ponds etc it really looks good. It seems as though all effort was exhausted when they planned that roundabout.

S WEBSTER

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