The recent article quoting Councillor P O’Dell (‘Petition to save pelican crossing’, Harrow Times, February 10) commenting on the lengthy period of consultation with interested parties prompts comment.

The matter is considered by the public as essential, the point being the intention to remove the traffic lights which form part of the pelican pedestrian crossing.

We base this on the fact that almost all of the people interviewed for a petition were astonished that the traffic lights would be removed. This was a universal reaction.

During the period January 19 to 31, the petition was conducted “that it is essential to keep the pelican crossing and traffic lights”. In that short space of time, 849 names signed indicating the extent of concern.

Had we been given more time the figure would have at least doubled.

Our findings: 1. Local resident drivers from the roads north and south accessing onto the Uxbridge Road rely on the gap in the flow of traffic which results when the traffic light is “red”. Without the light, it would be dangerous, and at times, almost impossible to do so.

2. The reasons expressed by pedestrians varied. Many thought the proposed zebra crossing and the central island as more dangerous than the existing pelican. 3. Concern was expressed by parents for the safety of their young children going to Grimsdyke School and by mothers with children in pushchairs.

4. The elderly were concerned, some because they relied on the “beep” before crossing. Others, using invalid chairs and walking aids. The most aged felt they would be particularly at risk. The lights and “beep” gave a degree of certainty compared with a zebra crossing.

The petition was presented at the traffic and road safety advisory panel meeting on Wednesday, February 2.

A Barnett and K Stokoe
petition organisers, Hatch End