Call for new crossing to stop pedestrians 'taking lives in their hands' in Doncaster

Doncaster Voice For Change (Dv4C) has appealed for a new crossing or traffic calming measures on the busy A18/High Street in Hatfield, close to the bus stop.

The lobby group, which consists of people with learning disabilities but campaigns about issues affecting the wider community, says an accident is inevitable if action is not taken.

"There are two sharp bends and to get to the bus stop you have to take your life in your hands and run. If you're in a wheelchair or have some sort of impairment the risk is increased," said DV4C founder Paul Taberner.

"We want something to be done, whether it's a new crossing, speed bumps or a speed camera, before there's an accident and someone is seriously hurt."

The group says it recently measured traffic on that stretch and counted nearly 2,000 vehicles whizzing past in one hour on a Friday lunchtime.

It also says police clocked cars travelling at an average of 37mph on the road, well above the 30mph speed limit in place.

The group has asked Doncaster Council to investigate possible improvements, but the council says it must prioritise other locations with worse safety records.

Gill Gillies, the council's assistant director for the environment, said: "The long-term safety record (on the A18/High Street, in Hatfield) is very good, but this relies on drivers being responsible, driving appropriately to the conditions and within the law.

"The safety record will continue to be carefully monitored and particular attention will be given to any emerging problems in this area.

"In order to give the greatest benefits to communities across Doncaster, facilities such as pedestrian crossings are prioritised to the areas with the worst road safety problems or the highest levels of activity, for example where there are high numbers of pedestrians throughout the day.

"A nearby example of an area often used by pedestrians is on Hatfield High Street, where the existing crossing serves a number of local facilities such as the Post Office, Library and shops."

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