Zebra Crossing Plans Halted Over Parking Concerns

A proposal for a new zebra crossing near a shopping parade has been discontinued following the emergence of concerns regarding parking availability. These plans, intended for Elizabeth Way in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Teesside, originated from residents’ calls for enhanced safety provisions. However, a public consultation process did not garner sufficient backing for the initiative, leading the Labour-run council’s neighbourhood services committee to opt against proceeding with it. Labour councillor Fiona Cook, who stated she was raised on Elizabeth Way, commented: “Safety is crucial, but I think there are alternatives.” The suggested sites for the crossing were either in proximity to the junction with Westerdale Road or positioned halfway between that intersection and the entry point to the Elizabeth Way shopping parade car park. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the consultation revealed four responses favoring the first option, 31 endorsing the second, and 32 opposing any crossing. Councillor Cook indicated that the crossing “would cause more parking problems.” A number of residents attended the meeting to voice their opposition to the proposals, and a written submission also expressed worries about parking and a detrimental effect on property values. Conversely, Councillor Sue Little, an Independent representative for the Seaton ward, advocated for the installation of the crossing. She noted that multiple school buses operate in the vicinity and that instances of “near misses” had been reported. She stated: “I would rather see a zebra crossing there than a memorial to a loved one that we’ve lost because of an accident.” She further mentioned that in 2022, a student from St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School had written to her, requesting a crossing for that location. During the meeting, it was communicated that the council intends to investigate whether any safety interventions could be put in place to tackle problems related to speeding and parking. For updates, follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.