I support the idea of making Wightman Road a priority issue. I too was surprised to hear that David Lammy's office had not heard anything about this road causing problems. Maybe that's because too many people have given up hope of any improvement.
The gentleman from the Wightman Road residents association seemed very sensible to me, and suggested that he wanted to avoid getting into technical aspects of what traffic calming might mean (e.g. chicanes, speed bumps). However, as a pedestrian user of Wightman Road here are some thoughts I would like to contribute:
A zebra crossing (anywhere) would slow traffic down (and I suspect would do so even when no-one was crossing it). Without the current refuges I doubt I would cross at all in the rush hour.
Wightman Road is an essential pedestrian route for almost anyone living on a ladder road wanting to use Harringay station. Traffic calming that encouraged greater pedestrian use could also encourage train travel.
A bus route on Wightman Road would also slow traffic down, and would also encourage people to use the stations at Hornsey or Harringay.
I would also like to be able to walk on either pavement of Wightman Road two-abreast rather than having to go single file. This unsociability, combined with the noise, must also discourage people from walking to the station. Negotiating a wheelchair along the pavement must from time to time be quite impossible.
I also cycle regularly on Wightman Road - it is not pleasant and it is made worse by the combination of traffic speed and the narrowness of the road, leading to regular close shaves. But no collisions for me at least, as yet.
Guy, as WR residents and pedestrian users we agree with every point you make. That zebra (light controlled) crossing if located between Pemberton & Mattison Road junctions would have the added bonus of serving pupils of S.Harringay School and worshippers at St Augustine's on Mattison Rd.
Permalink Reply by Hugh on February 15, 2009 at 11:17
I have started a separate thread for the education debate so that the main issues discussed in the meeting can have space here.
To give space to members who want to focus on these issues, I'm sorry, but we'll be deleting all further education posts made in this discussion thread.
Permalink Reply by jane on February 19, 2009 at 20:18
1. Who paid for it?? You and me I suspect.
2. Typical . Do what I say not what I do
3. Turncoat. Really, he must be shaking in his shoes now ...I bet that wasn't the case 5 years ago
4. HOL is a truly great forum...but he had to say that didn't he ( Even if he didn't believe it)
5. What do we elect him for then?
6. Yeahhhhhh!
I agree with you except for the bit about taking down the post. It's obviously a little immature and not worthy of a response. I have to put up with people hassling me about how I educate my children. I'm sure David is a big boy and can put up with it too.
I have read through the responses to the David Lammy event. It was good to see that Mr Lammy has decided to show his face in the borough for an event such as this. Something he does so rearly. There must be an election soon.