1. We want to see evidence of the Highways Authority’s justification for placing a non-controlled zebra crossing right next to a roundabout.
Views were sought on options for a zebra crossing in this location through a public consultation which took place from 1st December 2021 to 31st January 2022. Respondents were asked to rank three options at Alphinbrook Roundabout in terms of preference, two of which included a zebra crossing and the third option involved keeping the existing situation. A total of 61% of respondents ranked one of the options with the zebra crossing as their first preference, with 40% choosing the option to do nothing and keep the existing situation (note: rounding of figures results in the total not equalling 100%). The results of the consultation showed support for the zebra crossing in this location. The Consultation Report is available through the following link, under ‘Alphington enhancements’- Highway works – South West Exeter (devon.gov.uk)
The location where the zebra crossing was installed, was previously an uncontrolled crossing point which utilised the existing island and included dropped kerbs. The installation of the zebra crossing provides greater priority to pedestrians at an existing crossing point. Highway design guidance does not set a minimum distance for a crossing from a roundabout and identifies that zebra crossings are generally preferred close to a roundabout when compared to signal controlled crossings. This was considered along with the individual context of the location.
2. We want to see the safety audits and assessments pertaining to the new zebra crossing at the Alphinbrook roundabout near Lidl’s.
Please see attached:
Some information has been redacted in grey. This is because we consider this information is exempt under Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act (Personal Data).
Devon County Council are not obliged to provide information that is the personal information of another person if releasing it would contravene any of the provisions in the Data Protection Act 2018.
In this instance we believe that the release of this information would contravene the first data protection principle and therefore Section 40(2) is applied.
3. We want to see the work programme and details for the planned lighting that is not yet installed at this roundabout.
The installation of the lighting is to be undertaken by the street lighting contractor. They are currently in the process of booking road space to be able to undertake the works. The programme for the works will be influenced by when they are able to book road space. It is expected that these works will be undertaken by 8th September 2023.
4. We want to see the plans for signage to warn drivers that they are approaching this dangerous zebra crossing on a blind corner.
The scheme includes a sign on Powlesland Road which identifies a crossing. An extract from the sign schedule identifying this sign and the plan showing its location (sign 19) is included below.
5. We want to see the amount of funds taken from our S106 allocation for the a) zebra crossing; b) narrowing of Brookfield Gardens access.
The two elements of the works referred to as a) and b) were ordered together under the same work package. Some costs, such as common overheads, are shared between the two elements and it is not possible to split these up. The total value of works is £127,153.69. This includes the estimated cost for the street lighting works which have not yet been completed.