Cabinet approves the removal of pedestrian refuge in Smithfield Road in Shrewsbury

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet today (Wednesday 12 September 2012) approved the removal of the pedestrian refuge on Smithfield Road in Shrewsbury. 

The recommendation to remove the refuge was put forward by the council’s Protecting and Enhancing Our Environment Scrutiny Committee after it was discussed on 7 September 2012 for a second time. 

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said:

“After listening to local people’s views and monitoring the use and impact of the refuge I believe that this is the right decision. 

“Since the refuge has been installed, significant improvements have been made to the crossings at Raven Meadows and the Welsh Bridge.  These have provided an opportunity to add measures for pedestrians and cyclists, meaning that there is now a continuous cycle route between the Welsh Bridge and Raven Meadows, mostly on the river side of the road, with a safe cycle crossing point. 

“After two years the refuge is continuing to cause disruption to motorists.  However, its effect on traffic speeds has not gone unnoticed and we will shortly be introducing a new traffic control system (MOVA) to the existing lights along this corridor, which should go some way towards slowing drivers down.  Once in place, if needed, we will consider other traffic-calming measures. 

“We will be pleased to bring a further report back to the Protecting and Enhancing Our Environment Scrutiny Committee to provide an update once the new controls have been in place for around six months.” 

To minimise any disruption, the removal of the refuge will be carefully co-ordinated with the installation of a sewer connection to the new hotel.