Andover Road crossing to be moved to busier spot

A 12-hour survey conducted earlier this year showed that 112 people used the crossing outside Carnarvon Place, on Andover Road, but that 489 pedestrians crossed 80 metres nearer to St John’s roundabout by the post office.
Despite claims by West Berkshire Council that it is in need of renovation anyway, the cost of relocating the crossing comes at twice the price of restoring the existing one, estimated to total at £30,000.
Dropped kerbs and an island already assist pedestrians crossing at the new location, but the volume of traffic at peak times and the unpredictable speed of vehicles exiting the roundabout sparked concerns that a traffic-light crossing is needed.
The approval comes despite concerns of Newbury Town Councillors, who fear that moving the crossing closer to the roundabout may cause congestion during busy periods.
At a planning and highways committee in July, David Allen (Lib-Dem, Victoria) said: “It may lead to a build up of traffic on the roundabout. I think there could be a problem at rush hour.”
Kuldip Singh Kang (Con, Falkland) said that a similar crossing on St John’s Road, the opposite side of the roundabout, already holds up traffic.
However, the leader of the council, Julian Swift-Hook (Lib Dem, Pyle Hill), was in favour. He said: “Quite frankly there are instances where pedestrians should have priority and I think this is one of them.”
Work is expected to start early next year.